Man remanded on Syria terror charge

A 31-year-old man has appeared in court accused of paying for his brother and another man to take part in terrorist activities in Syria.

Najul Islam, from Newham, east London, was accused at Westminster Magistrates' Court of supplying cash for Shajul Islam and Jubayer Chowdhury, Scotland Yard said.

It is alleged that between January 1 and January 11 last year, he paid for them to travel to Syria, knowing that they would "be engaging or be prepared to engage in acts of terrorism".

He is accused of paying for supplies including night vision goggles, air rifle optic mounts and medical equipment, and driving from the UK to Turkey to deliver them to his brother, who is a junior doctor.

Prosecutors also claim that Najul Islam sent money abroad to his brother.

He was remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on Monday.

NHS medic Shajul Islam, 26, from Stratford, east London, and Chowdhury, 24, of no fixed address, are both accused in connection with the kidnap of two journalists in Syria.

It is alleged that the men imprisoned British photographer John Cantlie and Dutch journalist Jeroen Oerlemans against their will in July last year.

Shajul Islam and Chowdhury are next due to appear in court in April.