Man Charged with Terror Offenses Following Links to Manchester Synagogue Attacker

A man previously known to the individual behind the October synagogue attack in Manchester now faces terror charges, Millenium TV can confirm. Mohammad Asim Bashir, 31, from Cheetham Hill, North Manchester, has been charged with one count of preparation for acts of terrorism and three counts of dissemination of terrorism publications.

Investigators allege that Bashir transported Jihad Al-Shamie, the assailant in the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue attack, to a UK defense facility on August 14 for what authorities describe as hostile reconnaissance. Al-Shamie was fatally shot by police during the incident, which occurred on Yom Kippur, a significant day in the Jewish calendar.

Millenium TV understands that while Bashir was known to Al-Shamie, he was not directly involved in the October 2 synagogue attack itself. The charges against him also include allegations of sharing material via WhatsApp with the intent to encourage terrorist acts.

Bashir was initially arrested on suspicion of terror-related offenses in the immediate aftermath of the synagogue attack but was subsequently released without charges. He was re-arrested at Manchester Airport on November 27 in connection with the new allegations.

Frank Ferguson of the Crown Prosecution Service stated that there was sufficient evidence to charge Bashir with the offenses. Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts, who oversees Counter Terrorism Policing North West, clarified that these charges, while stemming from inquiries related to the synagogue attack, are not directly linked to the incident itself.

Chief Constable Potts emphasized that the investigation into the synagogue attack remains active, urging anyone with pertinent information to come forward. Bashir is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday.