‘Beatles’ terrorist accused could be brought back to UK – reports
Aine Davis was jailed in Turkey in 2017 for terrorism offences and is now due for release, according to media reports.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A jihadist accused of being part of the so-called Islamic State terror cell known as The Beatles could reportedly return to the UK within days.
Aine Davis was jailed in Turkey in 2017 for terrorism offences and is now due for release, according to media reports.
His deportation has been scheduled for July 9, The Middle East Eye said.
The 38-year-old, from London, could be arrested and face criminal investigation when he returns as well as being monitored by counter-terrorism officers and potentially the security services.
But if he is not held in custody, restrictions on his movement and contacts could be imposed under terrorism laws and he may be tracked with an electronic tag.
The career criminal of Gambian heritage left the UK in 2013 to fight in Syria but was arrested in Turkey in 2015 and jailed for seven-and-a-half years in 2017 after being convicted of being a member of a terrorist organisation.
In 2014 his wife, Amal El-Wahabi, became the first person convicted of funding terrorism in Syria when she was jailed at the Old Bailey following a trial.
The pair met at a London mosque and became increasingly interested in Islam.
The court heard El-Wahabi tricked an old school friend into agreeing to take 20,000 euros (around £15,000 at the time) in cash to Turkey for her husband, who was from Hammersmith in west London.
Davis is said to have denied he was part of the Beatles cell – so nicknamed because of their English accents – which tortured and beheaded western hostages in Syria.
Cell ringleader Mohammed Emwazi, widely known as Jihadi John, was killed in a drone strike in 2015.
Londoner Alexanda Kotey was jailed in the US in April for his part in the torture and murder of American hostages.
His co-defendant, El Shafee Elsheikh, will be sentenced in August for his role in the plot.
Earlier this week the daughter of British aid worker David Haines, who was murdered by the cell, learned of her father’s final plea to his captors before being killed.
Bethany Haines said Mr Haines had apparently asked Emwazi to “make it quick” when he was led away to be murdered in 2014.
His remains have never been discovered.
She said her father’s final wish was recalled to her during a two-hour face-to-face meeting with Kotey in Virginia.
He may yet be brought back to the UK to be charged with the deaths of other hostages, including Mr Haines.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.