A man jailed for plotting to bomb a British Army base is set for early release despite strong objections from officials who assessed his risk.
Zahid Iqbal, described in court as a key figure in an Al-Qaeda-inspired cell, will leave prison about three years before the end of his minimum term. The Parole Board approved the move after reviewing evidence on his behaviour and risk level, though both his prison and community offender managers advised against freeing him.
Iqbal was jailed for life after admitting he prepared for acts of terrorism linked to a plan targeting a Territorial Army site in Luton. Prosecutors said he and others discussed building an improvised explosive device between 2011 and 2012 using instructions from an online extremist manual. Recordings played in court captured him suggesting a remote-controlled toy car could carry a bomb under a gate.
Police arrested Iqbal and his associates during coordinated raids in April 2012 led by counter-terrorism officers and intelligence services. Investigators also told jurors he helped people travel abroad for extremist training.
The decision has drawn criticism from security figures. Former senior police officer Colin Sutton called it “another baffling decision” and warned the offences were among the most serious threats to public safety. He questioned whether Iqbal would follow licence rules, noting he had previously been recalled to prison after an earlier release.
The Parole Board said panels study a wide range of evidence before granting release. It said members review the original crime, signs of change, and potential risk, adding that protecting the public is their top priority.
Iqbal will face strict licence conditions. He must live at approved addresses, disclose personal relationships, and follow close supervision when he returns to the community in the coming weeks.
