ABU DHABI // A Syrian man accused of joining Al Qaeda-linked terrorist groups in Iraq was today sentenced to three years in jail.
The State Security Court found M?K, 26, guilty of training with Jaysh Al Islami and Al Tawheed Wal Jihad, and of encouraging his co-accused compatriot and colleague, A?S, 26, to join him.
But A?S was found innocent of not reporting to authorities M?K's involvement with the groups.
The Syrian enrolled in the two organisations in 2003 and left them a few months later. He came to the UAE to live in 2006, and worked as a lorry driver.
He was arrested as he tried to board a plane to Syria after the death of his father and siblings in an accident that took place about a year ago.
A?S came to the country to work as a lorry driver in 2008 and was arrested 11 months ago. His link to M?K was not made clear in court.
He spent seven months at Al Wathba prison and three months in the custody of national security before being granted bail last month.
hdajani@thenational.ae
