An Iraqi national has denied failing to disclose information about a terror attack on a Manchester synagogue, according to court proceedings. The accused, Hekmat Omar Ali Hakim, is charged with failing to disclose information regarding terrorist activity. The case centers around his alleged association with Jihad Al-Shamie, the Syrian-born British citizen who attacked the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue on October 2 last year. Hakim, an Iraqi national who previously entered the UK illegally, was described as a close associate of Al-Shamie. The court heard that the two men met several times in the weeks leading up to the attack. Al-Shamie, who was on bail for an alleged rape, drove into the synagogue grounds and launched a knife attack while wearing a fake suicide belt. The assault resulted in the deaths of two worshippers, Melvin Cravitz, 66, and Adrian Daulby, 53, and injured several others. Al-Shamie was subsequently killed by police gunfire at the scene. During the trial, prosecutors presented CCTV footage showing conversations between Hakim and Al-Shamie. The recordings allegedly depict Hakim condoning and supporting the terrorist act. On the day before the attack, Al-Shamie was said to have remarked, “Today is my last day, but don’t say anything.” Hakim responded, “No, no, may Allah bless you.” Later, Al-Shamie told Hakim, “The last time you see me, tomorrow for (prayer),” and claimed, “You’ve helped me.” Hakim then reportedly said, “Anyway, go and die anyway, you can die, die from here, die from tomorrow, listen, you understand me.” Al-Shamie allegedly replied, “Yeah, yeah, let me go and read Koran.” The pair was together for morning prayers on October 2 but did not speak to each other. Prosecutors stated that Hakim attended the mosque that evening after the attack and was visibly upset. During a conversation with another worshipper, Hakim allegedly condoned Al-Shamie's actions, stating, “He served all Muslims, Allahu Akbar,” and quoting Islamic scripture to justify the attack. The prosecution argued that Hakim's remarks suggested support for the attack. When challenged by the worshipper, Hakim reportedly asked, “What’s the problem?” and responded, “He served all Muslims, Allahu Akbar. Glory be to Allah, His Messenger and the Believers… he did it (in the cause of Allah).” The worshipper insisted that what Al-Shamie did was wrong, but Hakim allegedly replied, “Why? Peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah.” Prior to the attack, on September 29, Al-Shamie and Hakim were said to have left their mosque together and discussed “paradise and hellfire.” Al-Shamie allegedly asked Hakim, “You know what to say, right?” and instructed him to “down on the floor, down, down on the floor, down, down on the floor, alright.” Hakim was present when items were purchased to construct the fake suicide belt used by Al-Shamie. After his arrest, Hakim denied being close to Al-Shamie and expressed unhappiness that the attack occurred. He claimed he did not know why Al-Shamie carried out the atrocity. The prosecution noted that Hakim admitted some of his statements might have been influenced by cannabis. He told police he was unaware of any plans and asserted that if he had known, he would have tried to stop them. Hakim made a not-guilty plea to the single charge of failing to disclose information regarding terrorist activity. The court heard that he had made two failed attempts to enter the UK in 2007 before successfully entering the country without detection later that year. He was granted indefinite leave to remain in the UK. The case will proceed to the Old Bailey for further hearings.
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