Abu Hamza's trial for terrorism charges in New York starts this month

• It's first day coincides with the beginning of Jewish holiday Passover
  
• The NYPD fears that the trial may incite acts of terrorism

By Sara Malm and Rebecca Camber

The NYPD is on high alert for potential terrorist attacks as the trial of hate preacher Abu Hamza starts later this month.

The first day of the terrorist’s trial coincides with the beginning of Jewish holiday Passover on April 14.

Speaking to a conference of Jewish leaders in New York on Tuesday, NYPD officials said they are aware that the trial may ‘inspire’ terrorist acts.

Trial fears: Radical Islamist cleric Abu Hamza, seen in a courtroom drawing with his defense attorney Joshua Dratel last month, is due to stand trial on April 14, something which has put the NYPD on high alert

A decade after Abu Hamza was first arrested in Britain on a US warrant for terrorism charges, he is finally due to go on trial in Manhattan.

The hook-handed cleric is facing allegations that he controlled a global network of jihadists.

 

This week, Hamza, who was extradited from Britain in 2012, was described as a ‘star’ among terrorists, by Rebecca Weiner, director of intelligence analysis for the NYPD.

‘We are attuned to the possibility that his upcoming trial may inspire more terror,' Ms Weiner told religious leaders during a pre-Passover conference, the NYDailyNews reports.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2595056/NYPD-high-alert-fears-impending-trial-hate-preacher-Abu-Hamza-inspire-terror-city.html

ALASTAIR GRANT/AP Abu Hamza al-Masri upcoming trial in Manhattan has put the NYPD on alert for the possibility that the trial could inspire terror attacks.

Abu Hamza al-Masri's upcoming trial could spark terror attack in city: official
Trial of man charged in 1998 attack on tourists in Yemen taking place in Manhattan Federal Court this month has put the NYPD on alert. Police are 'attuned to the possibility' of more terror inspired by the trial, NYPD director of intelligence analysis Rebecca Weiner said.

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/crime/abu-hamza-al-mastra-trial-spark-city-attack-official-article-1.1742609

NYPD Urges Jewish Community To Remain Vigilant Ahead Of Passover

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) – There is no credible terrorist threat ahead of the Jewish holiday of Passover, NYPD officials announced in a briefing on Tuesday.

But NYPD counterterrorism official John Miller told members of the Jewish community Tuesday they should remain aware nonetheless.

“No credible specific intelligence, as we learned from Boston or Times Square, doesn’t mean that there isn’t a threat. New York is always a target and always will be,” said Miller.
http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2014/04/01/nypd-urges-jewish-community-to-remain-vigilant-ahead-of-passover-notes-no-credible-threats/