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Three charged over 'al-Qaida threat to kill Brown'

28/08/2008

Three men have today been charged with terror offences over what police sources have described as a threat to assassinate the prime minister.

The three suspects were arrested at Manchester airport and Accrington on August 14th under the Terrorism Act 2006.

Threats were reportedly made against Gordon Brown's life on a jihadist website earlier this year.

Former prime minister Tony Blair was also mentioned in the same threats, according to reports.

Ishaq Kanmi, 22, is accused of soliciting murder, being an al-Qaida member, inviting support for a proscribed organisation and disseminating terrorist publications.

Abbas Iqbal, 23, has been charged with the dissemination of terrorist publications and the possession of an article connected to the commission, preparation or instigation of an act of terrorism.

The latter charge has also been levelled against 21-year-old Ilyas Iqbal, who is accused of collecting or making records of information likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism as well.

All three are due to appear at Westminster magistrates court tomorrow.

Two other men arrested – one in Blackburn and another in Derby - by Lancashire police and the Greater Manchester police counterterrorism unit on Tuesday August 26th remain in custody.

Detectives have been granted a further seven days to question them.