Man denies planning terror attack on Israeli embassy in London
Abdullah Albadri, 33, is also charged with having a bladed article in Palace Green, London
Last updated 16th May 2025
A man has denied planning a terror attack on the Israeli embassy in London armed with two knives.
Abdullah Albadri, 33, is charged with engaging in conduct in preparation of terrorist acts on April 28 and two counts of having a bladed article in Palace Green, London, on the same date.
It is alleged the preparations included writing a martyrdom note, arming himself with two knives, travelling to the Israeli embassy in London and trying to gain access to its grounds.
On Friday, the defendant, of no fixed address, appeared at the Old Bailey by videolink from Belmarsh prison for a preliminary hearing.
The defendant's barrister Stephanie Panchkowry indicated he would plead not guilty to the charges against him.
She said his case was that he was a "human rights activist" who was "protesting and did not intend to hurt anyone".
Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb set a plea hearing on October 3 and a provisional trial at the Old Bailey from either April 7 or April 14 next year.
The defendant, who spoke to confirm his identity, was remanded into custody.
Previously, Scotland Yard has said officers from the Met's Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command became aware of a man attempting to gain unauthorised access to the grounds of the Embassy of Israel in Kensington, west London, shortly before 6pm on Monday, April 28.
Officers prevented the man from entering and arrested him on suspicion of a public order offence, trespassing on a designated site and possession of an offensive weapon, police had said.
He was taken to a London police station and was further arrested on suspicion of an offence contrary to Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006.
Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Met's Counter Terrorism Command had said at the time: "We remain in close contact with those based at the Embassy of Israel and we appreciate that these charges will be concerning to them.
"I would like to reassure the public, however, that from our inquiries so far, we are not seeking anyone else in connection with this matter and we do not believe there is any wider threat to the public."