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Terror trial shown beheading film | Terror trial shown beheading film |
(about 1 hour later) | |
A jury at the trial of a student facing terror charges has been shown video of a US citizen being beheaded. | |
The High Court in Glasgow heard the footage of Paul Johnson, 49, was posted on the website of Islamic terror expert Evan Kohlmann. | |
He has been giving evidence at the trial of 21-year-old Mohammed Atif Siddique from Alva in Clackmannanshire, who denies a total of five offences. | He has been giving evidence at the trial of 21-year-old Mohammed Atif Siddique from Alva in Clackmannanshire, who denies a total of five offences. |
Mr Kohlmann said it was his intention to show the brutality of Al-Qaeda. | |
However, he denied he was playing into the group's hands by spreading propaganda. | |
One video to show the brutality of al-Qaeda executing hostages was enough. I could not stomach any more Evan KohlmannIslamic terror expert | |
Judge Lord Carloway warned the jury beforehand that the footage of New Jersey man Mr Johnson being beheaded would be distressing. | |
After it was played, Mr Kohlmann was asked what kind of research would justify publishing the clip. | |
He said: "This was the first video of this type Al-Qaeda distributed. | |
"One video to show the brutality of Al-Qaeda executing hostages was enough. I could not stomach any more." | |
Mr Kohlmann added that it also helped "identify" those involved in the beheading and that he did not list it to "advertise or cause grief". | |
The witness rejected accusations that he was spreading Al-Qaeda propaganda. | |
He said: "I didn't serve any purpose for Al-Qaeda." | |
Terror charges | Terror charges |
Mr Siddique was arrested at his family home in Alva in April 2006. | Mr Siddique was arrested at his family home in Alva in April 2006. |
He has been accused of possessing suspicious terrorism-related items including CDs and videos of weapons use, guerrilla tactics and bomb-making. | He has been accused of possessing suspicious terrorism-related items including CDs and videos of weapons use, guerrilla tactics and bomb-making. |
He has also been accused of collecting terrorist-related information, setting up websites showing how to make and use weapons and explosives, and circulating inflammatory terrorist publications. | He has also been accused of collecting terrorist-related information, setting up websites showing how to make and use weapons and explosives, and circulating inflammatory terrorist publications. |
A further charge of breach of the peace relates to claims that he showed students at Glasgow Metropolitan College images of suicide bombers and terrorist beheadings. | A further charge of breach of the peace relates to claims that he showed students at Glasgow Metropolitan College images of suicide bombers and terrorist beheadings. |
This charge also includes the allegation that he threatened to become a suicide bomber and claimed to be a member of al-Qaeda. | This charge also includes the allegation that he threatened to become a suicide bomber and claimed to be a member of al-Qaeda. |
The trial, before Lord Carloway, continues. | The trial, before Lord Carloway, continues. |