On December 4, 2025, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) announced that Mohammad Bashir, a 31-year-old British national from Cheetham Hill, Manchester, had been charged with four terrorism offences. The charges stem from allegations that Bashir assisted Jihad al Shamie, the perpetrator of the deadly Manchester synagogue attack, by driving him to a UK defence facility for reconnaissance in August of this year. Bashir is also accused of sharing terrorist-related materials online with the intent to encourage acts of terrorism.
Bashir’s appearance at Westminster Magistrates’ Court is scheduled for Friday, December 5, 2025. His arrest took place at Manchester Airport on November 27, after a lengthy investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing North West. According to the CPS, the assistance provided by Bashir was not directly related to the attack at the Heaton Park Synagogue in Crumpsall, Manchester, which occurred on October 2 and left two worshippers dead.
The attack at the synagogue shocked the local community and the nation. Jihad al Shamie, a 35-year-old Syrian-born UK citizen, drove his Kia Picanto into the gates of the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue. After crashing through the entrance, he began attacking worshippers with a knife, all while wearing what was later determined to be a fake suicide belt. The violence resulted in the tragic deaths of Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daulby, who were present for worship that day. The incident ended when armed police responded and shot al Shamie dead at the scene.
As reported by multiple outlets, including the BBC and Sky News, the charges against Bashir allege that he drove al Shamie to an unnamed UK defence facility on August 14, 2025, as part of an act of reconnaissance. The CPS made it clear, however, that this alleged assistance was not directly linked to the subsequent attack on the synagogue. Instead, the charges focus on Bashir’s alleged involvement in preparatory activity and the dissemination of terrorist publications.
Frank Ferguson, chief crown prosecutor of the CPS Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, explained the rationale behind the prosecution. “Today, we have decided to prosecute Mohammad Bashir with terrorism offences following a Counter Terrorism Policing North West investigation into his conduct linked to Jihad al Shamie,” Ferguson stated. He added, “Our prosecutors have concluded that there is sufficient evidence to charge Mohammad Bashir with one offence of preparation of terrorist acts and three offences of sharing terrorist publications with al Shamie and others with the intent to encourage acts of terrorism.”
Bashir’s charges are serious and reflect the UK’s ongoing efforts to counter domestic terrorism. The legal framework for such prosecutions has evolved over the years, particularly in response to a series of high-profile attacks on British soil. The UK’s counterterrorism laws are among the most robust in Europe, allowing for prosecution not only of direct involvement in attacks but also of preparatory acts and the encouragement of terrorism through online activity.
Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts, who oversees operational responsibility for Counter Terrorism Policing North West, emphasized the ongoing nature of the investigation. “Following charging authority being granted by the CPS, this morning we have charged Mohammad Asim Bashir with a number of terrorism offences, including preparation for acts of terrorism,” Potts said. “These charges aren’t directly linked to the terrorist attack which took place at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue, but have come as a result of inquiries conducted by our investigation team.”
Potts also clarified Bashir’s legal status in relation to the synagogue attack itself: “Bashir has been released without charge in relation to the terrorist attack. However, he has been remanded in custody to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court tomorrow to face the charges authorised today.” He concluded by urging the public to assist the ongoing investigation, stating, “Our investigation into the attack remains live and I would continue to appeal to anyone with information that could potentially be of assistance to please come forward.”
The case has raised difficult questions for the Manchester community and the UK as a whole. While the immediate threat from al Shamie was neutralized by police action, the broader issue of radicalization and the spread of extremist materials online remains a pressing concern. According to the CPS, Bashir is accused of three offences related to sharing terrorist publications with al Shamie and others. The intent, prosecutors argue, was to encourage acts of terrorism. The specifics of the materials shared have not been disclosed, but such charges typically involve the dissemination of propaganda, instructional content, or incitement material via social media or encrypted platforms.
Community leaders in Manchester have responded to the developments with a mixture of relief and apprehension. The Heaton Park Synagogue attack was one of the most severe acts of anti-Semitic violence in recent UK history. The fact that Bashir’s alleged assistance to al Shamie was not directly related to the synagogue attack does little to alleviate concerns about the broader threat landscape. Many have called for increased vigilance, better protection for places of worship, and more resources for counterterrorism efforts.
For its part, the UK government has reiterated its commitment to tackling terrorism in all its forms. The Home Office has pointed to recent investments in intelligence, policing, and community outreach as evidence of its determination to prevent future attacks. However, the case also highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in detecting and disrupting plots before they come to fruition. The alleged reconnaissance trip to a defence facility suggests that targets beyond religious institutions may also be at risk, underscoring the need for constant vigilance.
Meanwhile, the legal process for Bashir is just beginning. His court appearance at Westminster Magistrates’ Court marks the first step in what is likely to be a closely watched prosecution. If convicted, Bashir could face a lengthy prison sentence under UK anti-terror laws. The outcome of the case may set important precedents for how authorities handle cases involving indirect assistance to attackers and the sharing of extremist materials online.
As the investigation into the Heaton Park Synagogue attack continues, police and prosecutors have reiterated their call for public assistance. Anyone with information that could aid the inquiry is urged to come forward. The hope is that, with community cooperation and robust legal action, tragedies like the Manchester synagogue attack can be prevented in the future.
The events surrounding Mohammad Bashir’s arrest and prosecution serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by terrorism in the UK. They also highlight the complexities faced by law enforcement and the justice system as they work to protect the public and uphold the rule of law in an increasingly challenging environment.
