My friend betrayed me, says terrorism trial doctor

Published on Wednesday 26 November 2008 20:41

A DOCTOR accused of terrorism said his friend and co-accused had "destroyed my life", a court heard yesterday.

Mohammed Asha, 28, said that Bilal Abdulla, 29, had "betrayed" him.

Testifying for a fourth day in the Glasgow airport bomb trial, Asha said: "He used me. He betrayed me and he destroyed my life."

Asha told the court: "My question was, am I going to resume with my normal life? These are my concerns at the time… what are the consequences if he's involved?

"That is what I'm here for."

Woolwich Crown Court heard Abdulla believed his actions were "legitimate".

Asha said: "His rationale would have been legitimate collateral damage in pursuit of bringing attention back to Iraq. I think he thought it was a legitimate sacrifice."

The court also heard the pair disagreed over religion.

"Bilal is clearly much more devout than me," said Asha. "My life has always been hard work, family and entertainment. Religion came as a complementary element. It wasn't a dominant ideal. I used to watch at least two movies a week. That was one of the criticisms Bilal directed at me."

Abdulla would tell Asha: "You are either working or watching movies all the time. You've got to have a balanced life and worship more."

The pair are accused of conspiracy to murder and to cause explosions last summer. They deny the offences.

The men planned a car-bomb attack in London and a suicide attack on Glasgow Airport, the court has heard.

The trial continues.