A man convicted of plotting bomb attacks in London and New York alongside British al-Qaeda operative Dhiren Barot is set to be released after serving 19 years in prison, despite concerns over his potential to reoffend. Abdul Aziz Jalil, 53, was convicted in 2007 for conspiracy to cause explosions, part of a sleeper cell planning attacks including the use of a radioactive "dirty bomb" and explosive-laden limousines targeting key buildings.
Jalil, described as a trusted aide to Barot, was sentenced to 26 years by Woolwich Crown Court along with six others, who together received a combined 136-year term. The group’s arrests, conducted just weeks prior to the planned attacks, included Mohammed Naveed Bhatti, Junade Feroze, Zia Ul Haq, Nadeem Tarmohamed, Omar Abdur Rehman, and Qaisar Shaffi.
Documents indicate Jalil has previously been released on licence but was recalled as recently as March 2025 for breaching conditions. Authorities flagged his online activity, which included searching for "weapons and drones" and accessing a Reddit forum, prompting concerns about his intentions. Despite these breaches, the Parole Board has now ruled in favor of his release under strict counter-terrorism monitoring.
Justice Secretary David Lammy attempted to block Jalil’s release but was unsuccessful. The judicial member overseeing the decision, Judge Jeremy Roberts KC, characterized the Justice Secretary’s appeal as irrational. He emphasized the distinction between Jalil’s interest in military materials and any intent to procure or use such equipment for terrorist activities. While acknowledging the risk that Jalil could be tempted to reengage in terrorism, Judge Roberts found no procedural errors in the Parole Board's determination.
Jalil, originally from Luton, Bedfordshire, played a significant role in Barot’s operations. He provided logistical support, including renting a safe house where planning documents—some with his fingerprints—were stored, and attended terrorist training camps in Pakistan. He was also involved in research related to radioactive materials, underscoring the sophisticated nature of the cell’s plot.
Barot, a British national from Willesden, North London, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to murder and was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2006, with a minimum term currently set at 30 years after a reduction by the Court of Appeal. Known to have operated closely with Osama bin Laden’s network, Barot traveled extensively, scouting potential targets in Washington and New York in early 2001, including the New York Stock Exchange and the International Monetary Fund.
US intelligence regards Barot as a senior al-Qaeda figure in Europe, potentially leading the network’s activities in Britain. The ongoing release and supervision of associates like Jalil highlight continued challenges faced by UK authorities in managing the risks posed by convicted terrorists reentering society.