Court refuses bail for men accused of terrorism

An Algerian pilot accused of being an instructor for four of the suicide hijackers who carried out the atrocities in the US has…

An Algerian pilot accused of being an instructor for four of the suicide hijackers who carried out the atrocities in the US has been remanded in custody for three more weeks.

Another man charged with training others to use weapons was also remanded in custody.

Mr Lotfi Raissi (27), who had been living near Heathrow airport when he was arrested, yawned as he was led away from the dock at the end of his appearance at top security Belmarsh Magistrates Court in London.

Magistrate Mr Timothy Workman refused an application for bail and said he was satisfied with evidence that Mr Raissi would fail to appear.

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Mr Raissi was originally detained on September 21st by Metropolitan Police under the Terrorism Act.

It was alleged at a court appearance last week he was a "lead instructor" for four of the pilots responsible for the hijackings, including the pilot of the flight that crashed into the Pentagon.

Mr Sulayman Balal Zainulabidin (43), a chef from Greenwich, London, also appeared at Belmarsh today.

He faced one count relating to "providing instruction or training in the making or use of firearms, explosives, or chemical, biological or nuclear weapons", on or before October 1st, 2001.

In addition he also faced a second charge that he "invited others as yet unknown to receive instruction or training in the making or use of firearms, explosives, or chemical, biological or nuclear weapons" on or before October 1st 2001.

Mr Zainulabidin, who spoke only to confirm his name, was remanded to appear at Belmarsh Magistrates again on October 12th. No application for bail was made.

A third man, Mr Amar Makhlulif (36), is charged in connection with an alleged plot to blow up Los Angeles airport. I

t is part of an extradition hearing brought by the US and is listed at Bow Street magistrates court today. He is not expected to appear in court.

PA