Migrant Denies Planning Israeli Embassy Attack, Claims Actions Were Improvised
Abdullah Albadri, a 34-year-old Kuwait-born failed asylum seeker, has denied planning a knife attack on London's Israeli embassy, insisting such violence was not in his "nature" or character. The defendant made these statements during his ongoing trial at the Old Bailey, where he faces charges of preparation of terrorist acts and possession of two bladed articles.
Arrest After Scaling Embassy Fence
Albadri was arrested moments after he jumped an 8ft fence outside the Israeli embassy in Kensington, west London, on April 28 last year. At the time of his arrest, he was armed with two knives and had covered his face and head with sunglasses and a scarf, according to court proceedings.
When questioned by his defense barrister, Chris Henley KC, about whether he intended to cause serious harm to anyone inside the embassy, Albadri firmly denied the allegation. He stated, "It is against what I believe. It is against my nature. It is against my character. How are we going to stop killing by killing?"
Defendant's Explanation for His Actions
Albadri told jurors that his unusual dress was intended to prompt someone to speak to him before he reached the embassy in Kensington Palace Gardens. He dismissed alleged martyrdom messages sent to his mother that day as him being "dramatic" rather than indicative of any violent intent.
When asked if he would consider it martyrdom if he had gone to the embassy for peaceful protest and been shot, Albadri replied, "If I go with a good heart to do a good deed and get shot, I might be a martyr." However, he insisted his actions were "improvised" and that he had "no plan" to climb over the railings into the embassy grounds.
Knives and Arrest Details
Albadri claimed he was being "sarcastic" when he told the armed officers who pulled him down and arrested him that he was carrying "weapons." He explained, "The knives have nothing to do with my situation. They were in my pockets the whole week."
Mr. Henley pressed further, asking, "Your plan was to climb over the fence, cause violence to people inside the embassy? Is that what you were planning to do?" Albadri responded, "Never." Referring to comments Albadri made upon his arrest about living in harmony, Mr. Henley inquired if he wanted harm to come to people inside the embassy, to which Albadri simply said, "No."
Trial Continues at Old Bailey
The trial at the Old Bailey continues as Albadri maintains his innocence against the charges. The case has drawn attention due to its location at a sensitive diplomatic site and the broader context of tensions related to conflicts in Gaza, though Albadri has not directly linked his actions to specific events in his court statements.
Prosecutors are expected to present further evidence in the coming days, while the defense argues that Albadri's actions were spontaneous and not premeditated. The outcome of this trial could have implications for how similar cases involving alleged terrorist preparations are handled in the UK legal system.
