Iranians deny terror charges

Two Iranians arrested in Mombasa with 15 kilogrammes of explosive materials were on Monday charged with terror-related offences.

Mr Ahmad Abolafathi Mohammed and Mr Sayed Mansour Mousav were indicted a day after grenade attacks in Mishomoroni estate, Mombasa left at least one person dead and several others injured.

Both denied two counts of preparing to commit a felony and being in possession of RDX, an explosive material, when they appeared before Nairobi Senior Principal Magistrate PC Biwott.

Medical grounds

The suspects, who were not represented by a lawyer, applied to be released on bond saying they have been in custody since June 19. They addressed the court through Mr M Zaboli, a Persian interpreter.

“We ask this court to release us on bond because we are innocent. Police took away our money and we have been tortured,” the suspects claimed.

Mr Mohammad told the magistrate that he had a heart problem and was under medication.

He claimed that he had not been given food and thus could not take the medicine.

“I urge this court to order that I be given food. I am very hungry and I need to take medicine,” the suspect pleaded.

He also urged the magistrate to order their release on bail.

Mr Mousav on the other hand said he suffers from hypertension.

The prosecutor however, opposed the application saying the two “are a flight risk and have no fixed abode in Kenya.”

The court was told that the accused will be taken to hospital if need be.

“You will remain in custody for two days. The interpreter will assist you whenever you need him,” Mr Biwott ruled.

Mr Mohammad and Mr Mousav were arrested on June 20, 2012 at Mombasa Golf Course in possession of RDX explosives which the police said were intended to cause grievous harm.

The police charges stated that they were found in circumstances which indicated they were intending to commit a felony. The second charge alleged that they were found with explosives for unlawful purposes.