Men accused of publishers plot

9:50am Friday 3rd October 2008

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A PHONE salesman from Walthamstow is among three men charged with conspiring to damage a book publishers' home and office.

Abrar Mirza, 22, of Eastfield Road, is accused of targeting a property in Lonsdale Square, Islington, with intent to endanger life.

Ali Beheshti, 40, of Tavistock Gardens, Ilford, and minicab driver Abbas Taj, 30, of Field Road, Forest Gate, are charged with the same offences.

The men are accused of targeting the home and office of Martin Rynja of publisher Gibson Square, which is due to release a book about the Prophet Muhammad.

The company planned to release The Jewel of Medina in the UK this month.

The novel, by American author Sherry Jones, is about Muhammad and his child bride.

Publication of the book in the US was cancelled over fears it may offend Muslims.

Mr Beheshti is also charged with possessing a weapon designed or adapted to discharge a noxious liquid or gas.

The three men were remanded in custody following a hearing at the City of Westminster Magistrates Court today (Friday) and will appear at the Old Bailey on October 17.