Bangladesh-origin Briton denies terrorism charges

LONDON - A Bangladesh-born computer expert in Britain, alleged to have offered himself as a suicide bomber, appeared in court Tuesday and denied terrorism charges, a media report said.

Rajib Karim, 31, of Newcastle upon Tyne, who works for British Airways, appeared via videolink at the Old Bailey Court in London where he pleaded not guilty to two charges of preparing for terrorism, the Daily Mail reported.

He was sent back to custody and would go on trial again Jan 24 at Woolwich Crown Court in southeast London.

Karim allegedly engaged in preparation of terrorism, “with the intention of committing acts of terrorism”, including that he “incited the giving of permission to carry out terrorist acts in the United Kingdom”.

Karim also allegedly offered to travel to Yemen or Pakistan to carry out terrorism training, and had advised about potential recruits to commit terrorist acts in Britain.

He also allegedly stayed in Britain long enough to obtain a British passport.

Karim also allegedly provided information on topics such as liquids allowances on planes, airport security and scanners and immigration questions to travellers.

He also allegedly provided details on British Airways computers and their vulnerability to a physical or internal systems attack to inflict financial loss.

All charges against Karim cover the period April 13, 2006 to Feb 26, 2010.