Former student Yousif Badri cleared of terror charges

Yousif Badri, 29, was found not guilty of downloading extremist magazines, books and videos which would be useful to a person committing an act of terrorism and intending to commit acts of terrorism.

It was claimed that Mr Badri had committed the offences while he was a student at Aberdeen University.

Mr Badri was arrested by armed police in Sainsbury’s in Berryden Road, Aberdeen, on

6 June 2013 – the day after sitting and passing his final exams.

At the High Court in Glasgow yesterday, trial judge Lord Turnbull told Mr Badri: “The verdict returned by the jury means that you are free to leave the dock. The court would like to wish you well in your continued medical career.”

Minutes later Lord Turnbull told the jury that he “wholeheartedly agreed” with the verdict they had returned.

Outside court, Mr Badri said: “I’m very happy and I hope to continue my medical career. I’ve been in limbo for the last two years.”

Prosecutors alleged that Mr Badri had amassed a collection of al-Qaeda material in order to become a terrorist.

However, the jury heard he had also downloaded hundreds of thousands of articles and books which were moderate.

Mr Badri was kept in custody for three weeks following his arrest before being given bail and then re-arrested just days before he was due to graduate.

Assistant Chief Constable Ruaraidh Nicolson, of Police Scotland, said: “We note the outcome of the proceedings

at the High Court and will consider any issues arising from the case.

“Police Scotland carried out an intensive investigation following intelligence about the activities of an individual of concern and the matter was fully reported to the Crown Office.”

The Crown Office said it had noted the decision of the High Court jury.