A British court on Monday convicted a 28-year-old jihadist and former Uber driver of planning to drive a van into an “evil” Gay Pride parade to kill non-Muslims.
Mohiussunnath Chowdhury, a man who previously was cleared of preparing to commit an act of terrorism in 2018 after he attacked police with a sword outside Buckingham Palace, was convicted of planning to “unleash death and suffering on non-Muslim members of the public,” Sky News reports.
During the trial, the Woolwich Crown Court heard how the 28-year-old from Luton, motivated by “dreams of martyrdom”, had plotted to target popular tourist sites like Piccadilly Circus and Madame Tussauds.
Prosecutor Duncan Atkinson QC told the court how Chowdhury was “inspired by preachers of hate” like Anwar Al-Awlaki – al-Qaeda’s former spokesman.
Chowdhury prepared for the planned attacks by regularly lifting weights as well as practicing stabbing and beheading techniques, the court heard. The Islamist even booked firearm training sessions and attempted to obtain a gun.
The Uber-driving jihadist was busted after he revealed his plans to an undercover police officer who had been surveilling him for five months.
Jurors found Chowdhury guilty of engaging in conduct in preparation of terrorist acts, disseminating terrorist publications, and collecting information likely to be useful to someone preparing an act of terrorism.
Chowdhury’s sister was also found guilty of failing to disclose information about acts of terrorism.
Sentencing will take place at a later date.
