Suspect says bomb was harmless
2005-08-09 16:43
Rome - Hamdi Issac, a suspect in the failed July 21 bomb attacks in London, said his improvised explosive was made from an agricultural substance, a defoliant and flour and would not have killed anyone even if it had detonated properly, an Italian judge said on Tuesday.
Judge Domenico Miceli told reporters that the 27-year-old Briton of Ethiopian origin was cooperating with three British police investigators who travelled to Rome to question him.
Speaking after the questioning session at Regina Coeli prison where Issac is being held, Miceli said the suspect replied calmly and without hesitation for two hours.
"The cooperation with the English officials is very good. The first part of the interrogation was mine, followed by Scotland Yard's questions," said Miceli, a Rome appeal court judge, referring to the British police.
Issac, also known as Osman Hussein, also said he had only wanted to make a "bang" with his device, the judge said.
Issac, who was arrested in Italy on July 29 several days after fleeing Britain, has been charged with "international terrorism" and holding false identity papers.
British police asked to be allowed to question Issac about the attacks, a near-carbon copy of the July 7 bombings on London's transport system in which 56 people died, including four suicide bombers.
Britain has requested his extradition, and a hearing has been scheduled for August 17.