The conviction occurred one day after the UK’s security agencies elevated the terrorism threat level to «severe,» the second-highest tier in the five-level system, indicating an attack is «highly likely within the next six months.»
A jury in the UK found a Kuwaiti citizen guilty on Friday for attempting to infiltrate Israel’s embassy in London to carry out a knife attack, following the refusal of his asylum request by British authorities.
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At London’s Old Bailey, jurors deemed 34-year-old Abdullah Albadri guilty of preparing terrorist acts and carrying two knives during the April incident.
Police officers intervened as Albadri climbed an eight-foot fence at the west London embassy with two knives in his possession; court proceedings revealed his motivation was to «avenge the deaths of children in Gaza.»
Footage from police body cameras presented at the trial captured Albadri stating to officers, «I want to commit a crime inside there, why are you stopping me?»
Law enforcement also discovered a so-called «martyrdom note» during the search of his person.
Though Albadri denied any intent to harm others, testifying that the knives were for «personal use» due to his homelessness, the jury rejected his explanation.
After deliberating nearly fourteen hours, the jurors dismissed his defense and confirmed his guilt. He remains in custody and will face sentencing later.
Albadri had entered the UK twice via small boats but was refused asylum in April 2025.
He asserted he was imprisoned and subjected to mistreatment due to advocacy for human rights in Kuwait.
His attorney Chris Henry stated in court that Albadri had been in «complete despair» but sought assistance following the rejection of his asylum claim and eviction notice from the asylum accommodation.
«This case concerns a person experiencing profound psychological distress and internal turmoil,» the lawyer added.
This verdict coincides with Britain’s security agencies upgrading the terrorism threat level to «severe,» the second-highest notch in a five-stage scale, indicating a «high likelihood» of an attack within six months.
The elevation followed recent stabbings of two Jewish men in north London on Wednesday, along with a series of arson assaults targeting the Jewish community and escalating extremist risks.
Additional sources • AFP