Scots Muslim charged for alleged 'terror' websites

A YOUNG Muslim man charged with terrorism offences was allegedly using websites he set up to demonstrate how to make and use firearms and explosives, court papers revealed yesterday.

Mohammed Atif Siddique, 20, who was arrested in an anti-terrorism dawn raid on 13 April at his family's home in Alva, Clackmannanshire, is charged with using websites to distribute publications that could encourage acts of terrorism, as well as other terrorism-related offences.

Siddique, who claimed he was a member of al-Qaeda and threatened to carry out a suicide attack, was excused his first public appearance at a pre-trial hearing at the High Court in Glasgow yesterday.

Siddique, a computer student, faces five charges under the 2000 and 2006 Terrorism Acts.

He made no plea or declaration when he appeared at a special court sitting, held inside Falkirk police station, two weeks after his arrest.

Among the charges, it is alleged that between 1 March, 2003, and 13 April, 2006, Siddique possessed articles in circumstances that gave rise to a reasonable suspicion they were connected with the commission, preparation or instigation of an act of terrorism.

The case was continued until 3 November.