One of the eight men accused of a plot to blow up transatlantic flights dedicated his actions to Osama bin Laden and the Taliban leader Mullah Omar, a court heard today. The 19-minute “martyrdom” video of Umar Islam, 29, was played to the jury at Woolwich crown court. Wearing a black and white checked headscarf, and sitting in front of a black flag covered in Arabic writing, Islam said Allah “loves us to die and kill in his path”. “To Mullah Omar and Sheikh Osama and the brothers, keep on going, keep on remaining firm, but truly you have inspired many of the Muslims and you have inspired me personally to follow the true path of the prophet,” he said. Six of the eight defendants on trial recorded videos outlining their hatred of the west and threatening further attacks, prosecutors said. The videos were found in the car and garage of another defendant, Assad Sarwar. During his speech, Islam pointed his finger at the camera and repeatedly checked notes on his lap. Haroon Siddique reports.
