Courts / Louth / Report
Lisa Smith made other women at mosque 'uncomfortable', witness tells trial
Summary
Lisa Smith, a 39‑year‑old former Defence Forces member from Dundalk, is on trial before the Special Criminal Court for membership of the Islamic State and for sending €800 to a man via Western Union. Witness Carol Karimah Duffy, a Muslim teacher who converted in 2001, testified that Smith spoke about jihad, suicide bombings and the "harsh end of Islam," and that she sought a husband who would die a martyr. Duffy said Smith was "naive" and "blindly followed what was said on the internet," never reading books or attending classes. She described how Smith made other mosque women uncomfortable, who suspected her of being a "plant." Duffy denied encouraging Smith to leave the army or to wear a hijab, and said she had never supported suicide bombings. The trial is set to continue tomorrow before a three‑judge panel. Lisa Smith pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Lisa Smith made other women at mosque 'uncomfortable', witness tells trial. Charges or matters: membership of an unlawful terrorist group, Islamic State, between October 28th, 2015 and December 1st, 2019; financing terrorism by sending €800 in assistance, via a Western Union money transfer, to a named man on May 6th, 2015. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- October 28th, 2015 Other
- December 1st, 2019 Other
- May 6th, 2015 Other
- Christmas Incident
- 2022-01-26 Publication
Why: The witness also told the trial that Ms Smith was "naive" because instead of studying, she "blindly followed what was said on the internet". CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: membership of an unlawful terrorist group, Islamic State, between October 28th, 2015 and December 1st, 2019; financing terrorism by sending €800 in assistance, via a Western Union money transfer, to a named man on May 6th, 2015 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
Topics
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