UK convicts first man over Syria-related terrorism offence

A 31-year-old man on Tuesday became the first man in Britain to be convicted of a Syria-related terrorism offence, following a two-week trial.

Mashudur Choudhury, a father of two, was found guilty at Kingston Crown Court in south-west London of engaging in conduct in preparation of terrorist acts.

During the trial, the court heard that Choudhury had travelled to Syria in October with four other men with the intention of joining a terrorist training camp. He was arrested on his return at London’s Gatwick Airport later that month.

“The training was to include the use of firearms and the purpose of fighting was to pursue a political, religious or ideological cause,” prosecutor Alison Morgan said.

“At times in his discussions with others the defendant described his intention to become a martyr,” she continued.

The court also heard that Choudhury exchanged Skype messages with Ifthekar Jaman, another Briton, who went to Syria to fight for an al-Qaeda-linked group and who was widely featured in British media. He is since believed to have died in fighting.

Choudhury is to be sentenced next month.