Iranian terror suspects in Kenya released on bail

Two Iranians in Kenya who were arrested on suspicion of planning attacks on Israeli, Western and Jewish targets were released on bail Monday.

Iranian nationals Ahmad Abolfathi Mohammad and Sayed Mansour Mousavi were released from custody on a 2 million Kenyan shilling bond ($23,760), Capital FM news reported from Nairobi. The two were also required to surrender their passports and must report to the Kenya Anti-terrorism Police Unit twice a week, the report said.

Principal Magistrate Paul Biwott reportedly stated that he was constitutionally required to free the suspects on bail. “I have found that the two are not capital offenders and even if they were, the constitution allows them bail,” he said, according to the website.

He also reportedly said that if the suspects did not report twice a week to the Kenya Anti Terrorism Police Unit he may begin hearing the case on July 23.

Mansour and Mousavi were charged with preparing to commit acts intended to cause grievous harm after they were arrested and allegedly led officials to a 15-kilogram (33 lb) stash of the explosive RDX. Another 85 kilograms (187 lb) of the explosive allegedly shipped to Kenya for their use has not been located.

Police Sgt. Erick Opagal asked the court Tuesday in an affidavit to deny the two suspects bail because of the missing explosives.

Iranian agents have suspected in several successful or thwarted attacks — especially against Israeli interests — around the globe over the last year. The two allegedly planned to hit a synagogue and the Israeli Embassy in the capital.

In 2003, terrorists bombed an Israeli-owned hotel in Mombassa, killing several, and attempted to launch a missile at a jet headed to Israel from the resort town.

Aaron Kalman and AP contributed to this report.