An Algerian arrested in Ireland following an international investigation into an alleged plot to murder a Swedish cartoonist was tonight refused bail.
Ali Charafe Damache was among seven men and women people arrested by anti-terrorist units acting on intelligence from the CIA, FBI and European agencies.
The 44-year-old was later charged with an unrelated offence of sending a message by phone to a third party, which was of menacing character, on January 9th, 2010.
Prosecutors who opposed bail told Dublin’s High Court investigators were not sure of the accused’s true identity as he travelled to Ireland on false documents in 2000, had previously used other names, had Algerian and Irish passports and recently moved address.
Mr Justice Paul Butler — who refused bail — agreed there was a real doubt about his identity and questioned Damache’s propensity to use false documents.
“He’s a very real risk,” said the judge.
“His affidavit is highly questionable.”
Damache was held after investigations into a conspiracy to kill Lars Vilks, whose controversial depictions of the prophet Mohammed with the body of a dog were printed in a newspaper in Sweden in 2007.
Michael O Higgins, for Damache, argued his client he was not a flight risk as he has lived in Ireland for ten years, had an ex-wife in Cork and a partner who is pregnant.
However Mr Justice Butler said means of international travel were available to the accused.
“We know has had the propensity to use false documents, he’s a real flight risk,” added the judge.
Damache, of John Collins House, High Street, Waterford, was remanded in custody. He faces up to five years in prison for the offence.
A second man arrested during the probe has also appeared before the courts.
Abdul-Salam Mansour Al-Jehani, from Libya, was charged with an immigration offence after he admitted telling investigators he gave a false name when he came to Ireland to claim asylum in 2001.
The 32-year-old was sentenced to three months in jail for the offence on Friday.
Five others who were questioned after the raids two weeks ago were released from custody. Files are being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.
PA