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Support of Islamic State equated to membership of terrorist organisation, expert tells Lisa Smith trial

Summary

The Special Criminal Court trial of Lisa Smith, 40, who denies charges of membership of Islamic State and funding terrorism, heard expert testimony from political scientist Dr Florence Gaub. Dr Gaub testified that individuals who travelled to Isis-controlled Syria and engaged in any act of support, such as sending money or joining territory, became members of the terrorist organisation. She described the Islamic State as a proto-state that provided preferential treatment, including better housing and food, to those who heeded Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi's call, creating a relationship of reciprocity. Under cross-examination by defence counsel Michael O'Higgins SC, Dr Gaub maintained that non-combatants, such as engineers and teachers, who reinforced the group's capacity to carry out its aims have been convicted across Europe. The defence argued that the court should not accept the opinion that engaging with the state's machinery equates to membership, distinguishing such acts from direct terrorist offences. The three-judge, non-jury court, presided over by Mr Justice Tony Hunt with Judges Gerard Griffin and Cormac Dunne, will hear submissions on this legal issue tomorrow. The matter remains at the trial stage, with no finalisation or sentence recorded.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Support of Islamic State equated to membership of terrorist organisation, expert tells Lisa Smith trial. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• 2022-03-09 Publication

Why: She said people, including those who travelled to work as engineers and teachers, have been convicted of offences all over Europe because they "reinforced Isis's capacity to carry out its aims". CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial

Read the original CNI report