Two brothers from Birmingham plead guilty to terrorism offence

Two Birmingham brothers have today (10 July) pleaded guilty to a terrorism offence.

Muhammad Abdul Haleem Heyder Khan (21) and Muhammad Hamzah Heyder Khan (18) admitted engaging in conduct in preparation for terrorism under section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006.

The pair, from Ward End, were arrested on 2 November by detectives from Counter Terrorism Policing West Midlands CTU.

The trial began last week but a guilty plea was submitted and accepted today. They will be sentenced on 11 September. The jury at Birmingham Crown Court heard how the brothers had become increasingly radicalised through 2022 and had prepared to travel to Afghanistan so they join in and support terrorist activity.

They bought clothing and equipment, researched how to travel to Afghanistan and had completed application forms to join a terrorist group.

What has West Midlands Police said?

Detective Chief Superintendent Mark Payne, from CTP West Midlands CTU, said: “We welcome today’s guilty pleas by the pair, the weight of evidence against them clearly gave them no choice but to admit they were preparing to join and fight for a terrorist organisation.

“We will continue to protect local communities by working with partners and the CPS to pursue and prosecute all those who show support for terrorism.

“We work tirelessly to counter terrorism. Our absolute priority is to ensure the safety and security of the people who live, work and visit the West Midlands area.”