2016–17 all-female UK terror plot

Between 2016 and 2017, UK Counter Terrorism Policing discovered and monitored an ISIS-inspired plot by four women, three of which were family members, to carry out terrorist attacks in London, in what was described as Britain's first all-female terrorist plot.[1][2][3]

2016–17 all-female UK terror plot
PerpetratorsSafaa Boular, Mina Dich, Rizlaine Boular, Khawla Barghouthi

Background

18-year-old Safaa Boular, who had already failed in an attempt to travel to Syria to marry an ISIS fighter, was found guilty of preparing terrorist attacks for plotting a suicide bomb and gun attack at the British Museum, and sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 13 years imprisonment (later reduced on appeal).[2][3] Her mother Mina Dich, 44, and sister Rizlaine Boular, 22, were convicted for their part in planning the attacks, with Rizlaine being sentenced to a minimum of 16 years imprisonment and Dich being sentenced to six years and nine months’ imprisonment and an additional five years on licence.[2][3] 21-year-old Khawla Barghouthi was further convicted of having information about acts of terrorism and sentenced to 28 months' imprisonment.[3] Safaa Boular became the youngest women to be convicted of plotting a terror attack in the UK.[1][4] The discovery of the plot was reported on internationally.[5][6][7]

Safaa Boular willingly admitted to having 300 to 400 ISIS 'friends' online, and police discovered online discussions between her and a man named Naweed Hussain about suicide bombings, her wearing a suicide belt, and how they would plan to marry in Syria.[2][3] They shared violent images between them, including of executions, and Boular began to do so when she was only 16.[2] She also supported and shared ISIS material online.[3] Her communications also showed her discussing her attack plans with her family.[2] Rizlaine and Dich were caught on CCTV buying knives from a supermarket, intending to stab a police officer near Parliament.[2] The two also drove around landmarks in Westminster in preparations for attacks, and it was ultimately concluded that the attack was planned to take place only the day after they were all arrested.[2]

In April 2019, Safaa Boular's minimum sentence was reduced on appeal to 11 years.[8] In April 2023, it was reported that Mina Dich wanted to be released from prison, claiming she was not a danger to the public.[9]

See also

References
  1. "Teenager Safaa Boular jailed for life over IS terror plot". BBC News. 3 August 2018. Retrieved 30 April 2023.
  2. "Teenager, Safaa Boular, found guilty of first all-female UK terror plot". Sky News. 5 June 2018. Retrieved 30 April 2023.
  3. "Year In Review 2018: All-Female Terror Plot". Counter Terrorism Policing. 26 December 2018. Retrieved 20 April 2023.
  4. "Teenager jailed for life over British Museum bomb plot". The Guardian. 3 August 2018. Retrieved 30 April 2023.
  5. "Teen guilty of plotting all-girl UK terror attack". DW. 6 April 2018. Retrieved 30 April 2023.
  6. "British teenager convicted of terror plot at museum as part of all-female cell". CNN. 4 June 2018. Retrieved 20 April 2023.
  7. "UK teen convicted of museum attack plot with mother, sister". Arab News. 4 June 2018. Retrieved 30 April 2023.
  8. "Youngest woman Safaa Boular convicted of plotting UK terror attack has prison sentence cut". Birmingham Post. 16 April 2019. Retrieved 30 April 2023.
  9. "Mother jailed for all-female terror plot says she deserves to be freed". The Times. 20 April 2023. Retrieved 30 April 2023.
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