Two men have denied being members of the banned group Hezbollah and attending terrorist training in Lebanon. Anis Makki, 40, and Mohammad Hadi Kassir, 33, both of London, are accused of attending an airbase while terrorist training was being given on September 2, 2021. Makki has also been charged with being involved in the preparation of terrorist acts, contrary to section five of the Terrorism Act 2006.
Court Appearance
The two dual British-Lebanese nationals appeared at the Old Bailey on Friday by video-link from HMP Belmarsh. Kassir, a cafe manager who studies part-time, and Makki, a self-employed software designer, both pleaded not guilty to attending the training at Birket Jabbour airbase in south Lebanon in September 2021.
Additional Charges
Makki also denied preparing terrorist acts, being a member of Hezbollah, supporting banned groups Hezbollah and Hamas, and disseminating a Hezbollah video. Kassir pleaded not guilty to one count of attending a place while terrorist training was being given on February 22, 2015, in Baffliyeh, south Lebanon. The father of four further denied belonging to the proscribed organisation Hezbollah between February 21, 2015, and December 10, 2025, as well as two counts of failing to provide a pin number for two Samsung mobile phones.
Next Hearing
The short preparatory hearing was adjourned to resume on November 6 at the same court.
