Brother of Bedouin indicted on charges of affiliation with al-Qaeda dismisses accusations, says suspect merely visited 'wrong websites'; two members of Islamic Movement arrested following joint Shin Bet, police operation
Residents in the southern Bedouin community of Rahat say they are shocked over reports that two local young men have been indicted over charges of affiliation with al-Qaeda.
Majid Abu-Sakut, whose brother Omar is one of the two suspects, told Ynet Wednesday evening: "Taher and Omar are just two kids who visited the wrong websites. They're innocent."
Two members of Islamic Movement indicted on charges of affiliation with terror organization following joint Shin Bet, police operation; suspects supplied handlers with sensitive information about strategic facilities
"We still have not digested what has happened," Majid said. "I do not believe that the Shin Bet has enough evidence to convict Omar at court. The Internet is open to anyone, and the same way they could also accuse me of affiliation to a terror organization. I am 1,000% sure he will be acquitted."
'He's a good kid'
The indictments served against Taher and Omar Abu-Sakut describe close contacts between the two and global jihad members. The two were detained in late May and early June and reportedly confessed to the charges against them. The story was only cleared for publication Wednesday.
"Omar is a good kid who just recently completed his studies at the high school in Rahat," his concerned brother said. "He worked as a painter and did not engage in any terror activity."
Majid added that his brother does not possess a driver's license and would rarely leave the community.
"He would return home every day at 5 pm," Majid said. "He's just a good kid who did nothing wrong."
The Shin Bet's interrogation revealed that Taher, the main suspect in the affair, became interested in radical Islam in 2006, and proceeded to frequent websites affiliated with al-Qaeda and global jihad, as well as sites calling for Israel's destruction. Later, the suspects apparently provided jihadists with intelligence information on strategic sites in Israel.
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