London – A British criminal court delayed the trial of a terror suspect so he can fast in Ramadan as a judge deemed that he would not be “fit” to stand trial.
Taha Hussain, 21, is accused of downloading material glorifying the Paris terror attacks of 2015 and has had his trial moved so he can fast for Ramadan.
He is alleged to have sent WhatsApp files entitled: “Paris Outrage: A Muslim Perspective.”
Another file entitled “Charlie Hebdo to Jagrity” was sent on the encrypted Telegram messaging service.
Ten journalists and two policemen were killed in the Charlie Hebdo attack that was carried out by three gunmen on the magazine’s office in Paris in 2015.
Hussain denied ten counts of disseminating terrorist publications when he appeared on Wednesday via videolink at Kingston Crown Court.
He was originally set to stand trial on May 30, but the fixture was moved to a later date at the Old Bailey by Judge Paul Dodgson, who said: “I only have to think about myself not eating or drinking for 19 hours.”
“This is not to be taken as a precedent for all trials involving devout Muslims.
“The date was fixed administratively but no consideration had been made for Ramadan.
“I would not be confident for someone to stand trial if I looked up I thought he’s not fit to be here.”
He told Hussain: “Your trial is going to take place at the Old Bailey either on June 26 or perhaps July 10.”
Hussain, of Slough, Berkshire, was remanded in custody ahead of his trial at the Old Bailey.
Previously a man accused of viewing pornography while at work attempted to adjourn an employment hearing in 2010 using the same argument claiming it was in breach of his human rights.
The court in his case refused his request due to the fact he had known the date for over a year.
Courts in Muslim countries often automatically do not sit during this time.
In Britain courts also close during Christian holidays such as Christmas and Easter.
Asharq Al-Awsat
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