London terror attack accused declares himself soldier of Allah

FP Archives • December 10, 2013, 06:12:50 IST

One of two British Muslims accused of the murder of a British soldier on the streets of London today admitted to the killing in court, telling the jury that he loved al Qaeda and was “obeying the command of Allah”.

London terror attack accused declares himself soldier of Allah

London: One of two British Muslims accused of the murder of a British soldier on the streets of London today admitted to the killing in court, telling the jury that he loved al Qaeda and was “obeying the command of Allah”.

Michael Adebolajo gave evidence at the Old Bailey court in London and said he killed Lee Rigby on May 22 outside Woolwich military barracks in south London.

He, however, claimed it was not murder but a “military operation”.

“I am a soldier of Allah and as I’ve explained part of fighting jihad sometimes it tells killing the enemy soldier.

Nick Griffin (C), chairman of the British National Party, stands with demonstrators protesting outside the Old Bailey courthouse in London November 18, 2013. Two Muslim converts accused of hacking to death British soldier Lee Rigby in broad daylight on a London street go on trial this week in a case that has shocked many in Britain. Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale will appear at London's Old Bailey central criminal court to deny murdering Rigby, conspiracy to murder a police officer and the attempted murder of a police officer. The case was due for mention on Monday, before starting later in the week. Reuters

As I said we planned a military attack which obviously involved ? sadly, it’s not something enjoyable ? the death of a soldier,” the 28-year-old Muslim convert said in the courtroom.

He also spoke of his love for the extremist terror network al-Qaeda.

The prosecution says he and Michael Adebowale, 22 - who also denies murder - rammed Fusilier Rigby with a car in Woolwich before attacking him with knives.

They are also both accused of attempting to murder a police officer and conspiracy to murder a police officer.

“Allah commands that I fight those militaries that attack the Muslims. I don’t feel that I have any choice. I obey Allah and I commit my affairs into his hands. This is all I can do,” Adebolajo said.

Rigby’s widow Rebecca left the courtroom in tears as he claimed the soldier was still moving after being hit by the car.

He refused to answer questions about how long he had planned the attack, but said he had not planned to run down Fusilier Rigby, saying “it just so happened that Allah caused him to cross in front of my car”.

He described attacking Fusilier Rigby with a meat cleaver in graphic detail, and said the soldier was already dead by the time Adebowale had joined him in attacking the soldier.

Adebolajo told the court that he tried to go to Somalia in 2010 because he wanted to live in accordance with sharia law, but was detained by Kenyan police.

The case is ongoing in the London court this week.

Written by FP Archives