Men jailed for life over plot against Jewish community

Two men were jailed for life after plotting an attack targeting the Jewish community; a third man was convicted of failing to disclose information about the plan.

Two men have been handed life sentences after planning an attack that targeted the Jewish community in Manchester. Prosecutors reported the plot involved an intended attack on a march and on a neighbourhood with a predominantly Jewish population. The plot was uncovered when one suspect communicated with an undercover operative who posed as an accomplice. A third man was convicted for failing to disclose information about the plan. Key facts: - Walid Saadaoui and Amar Hussein were convicted of preparing a large-scale terrorist attack and sentenced to life imprisonment with minimum terms of 37 years and 26 years respectively. - A third defendant, Bilel Saadaoui, was convicted of failing to disclose information about the plot. - The plot was reported as being uncovered after Saadaoui communicated with an undercover operative who gathered evidence from their discussions. - Prosecutors said the men had embraced an IS-inspired ideology and referenced past attacks and alleged motives linked to events after October 2023. - Walid Saadaoui was arrested by counter-terrorism police in May 2024 after attempting to take possession of firearms and ammunition. Summary: Officials said the plot, inspired by extremist ideology, could have led to mass casualties. The main defendants have been convicted and sentenced to life terms, and a third man was convicted for failing to disclose information. Undetermined at this time.