Pair remanded on terror charges

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Two men accused of possessing files that could be used for terrorist purposes have appeared in a London court via video link.

Rizwan Ditta, 29, and Bilal Mohammed, 26, both of Halifax, West Yorkshire, appeared on a screen at City of Westminster Magistrates' Court.

Mr Ditta faces 15 charges under the Terrorism Act while Mr Mohammed faces two charges.

Both men were remanded in custody until 28 March.

The men, who spoke only to confirm their dates of birth, appeared in the video link from Belmarsh prison in south London.

On 28 March, lawyers are expected to discuss whether the case can be sent to a crown court.

Dawn raids

The two men were arrested in dawn raids in the Pellon area of Halifax on 23 January by anti-terror officers from the Metropolitan Police supported by officers from West Yorkshire.

Mr Ditta, of Royd Terrace, is accused over the possession of several computer files.

It is alleged he had files in circumstances which gave rise to a reasonable suspicion they were for a purpose connected with the commission, preparation or instigation of an act of terrorism.

Mr Ditta is accused of having files containing information of a kind likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism.

His alleged offences are said to have been committed before 26 October, 2006.

Mr Mohammed, of Thrum Hall Close, is accused of having without reasonable excuse a record containing information of a kind likely to be useful to a person committing an act of terrorism.

It is alleged he had video clips and a computer file showing potential terrorist training methods.