Terrorism financier suspect appears in Dar’s Kisutu court

Suspected financier of terrorist acts, Sheikh Farid Hadi Ahmed (45) appeared before the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court in Dar es Salaam on Friday, charged with four counts.

Ahmed, a resident of Mbuyuni Zanzibar, who is a leader of Uamsho group, was charged alongside a mason also residing at Koani area in the Isles, Jamal Noordin Swalehe (38), before Principal Resident Magistrate Waliarwande Lema.

They were not allowed to enter plea to the charges of conspiracy to commit an offence, recruitment of persons to participate in terrorist acts and giving support for the commission of terrorist acts because their case will be tried by the High Court.

The magistrate ordered them to go to remand until August 6, this year, when the prosecution is expected to present a special request on the matter.

The prosecution informed the court that investigations into the case have not been completed. It is alleged that on diverse dates between January 2013 and June this year in various places within the United Republic of Tanzania, the two accused conspired to commit an offence under the Prevention of Terrorism Act.

The offence, according to the prosecution led by Principal State Attorney Bernard Kongola, assisted by Senior State Attorney Peter Njike and State Attorney George Barasa, relates to recruitment of persons to participate in terrorist attacks. It is alleged further that within the same period in Tanzania, the accused agreed to recruit other persons to participate in commission of terrorist acts.

Ahmed was charged with a separate count of recruitment of persons to participate in terrorist acts. The prosecution told the court that between January 2013 and June this year in various places in the country, Ahmed recruited Sadick Absaloum and Farah Omary to participate in the illegal acts. He is also accused of providing support for commission of the offences.

The prosecution alleged that within the same period, in the United Republic of Tanzania, knowingly, Ahmed gave support to commission of terrorist acts.

Source: Tanzania Daily News