A court heard that 25-year-old religious teacher, Umar Haque allegedly brainwashed boys and encouraged them to join his “death squad” as he allegedly planned a terror attack on Elizabeth Tower, which houses Big Ben and the “Queen's guard”.
The Old Bailey was informed that Haque, the administrator of Ripple Road Mosque in Barking, East London led evening classes for boys as young as 11. It is alleged that he discussed attacking the police, Transport for London, City banks, Westfield shopping centres, the Parliament, as well as London Heathrow Airport. It is also alleged that he spoke about attacking Shia Muslims, foreign embassies, English Defence League (EDL), and “media stations”.
Haque is accused of plotting barbaric attacks inspired by Islamic State, and also of enticing children into terrorism through videos and role-play.
The trial continues.
