Armed Break-In Foiled at Kensington Embassy
Abdullah Albadri, a 34-year-old failed asylum seeker from Kuwait, has been convicted for attempting a knife attack at the Israeli embassy in London. Last May, armed police swiftly intercepted Albadri after he scaled the embassy’s 8-foot metal fence wielding two 10cm serrated knives.
Jurors at the Old Bailey heard that Albadri intended to “exact revenge” for the deaths of children in Gaza by carrying out an act of terror within the embassy grounds in Kensington, west London. After nearly 14 hours of deliberation, the jury found him guilty of both preparation of terrorist acts and possession of bladed weapons.
Background: Stateless Bedoon and Failed Asylum Claim
Albadri, born into the stateless Arabian Bedoon tribe, entered the UK twice by small boats in 2021 and April 2023 but was denied asylum. He claimed he had suffered imprisonment and mistreatment in Kuwait due to his human rights activism.
On the evening of 28 April 2023, CCTV footage captured Albadri journeying for an hour from Kilburn to the embassy, disguised with dark sunglasses and a distinctive red and white keffiyeh.
Attempted Forced Entry and Arrest
Just before 6pm, Albadri made a salute-like gesture before leaping over the embassy fence. Armed diplomatic protection officers quickly restrained him as he clung tightly to the metal bars. PC Libby Chessor described the challenge of removing him from the fence due to his strong grip.
Once detained, officers handcuffed Albadri and conducted a search, recovering two red-handled knives and papers including a “martyrdom note.” On police body camera footage, he declared, “I got my weapons,” and questioned officers: “Why didn’t you let me in?”
Motivation and Court Proceedings
Albadri later insisted the act was “just a message” aimed at stopping the “f****** war on children.” Despite his claims that the knives were for “personal use” due to homelessness, prosecutors argued his actions were politically motivated violence.
During the trial, Albadri denied any intention to harm, emphasizing it was “against my nature.” His defense lawyer, Chris Henry KC, portrayed him as a man in “total despair” following his failed asylum claim, pleading for jurors to consider his mental state.
Prosecution Statement and Verdict
Bethan David, head of the Crown Prosecution Service’s counter-terrorism division, condemned Albadri’s deliberate preparation and concealment of identity. She affirmed that these actions were “driven by an intention to use violence to make a political statement.”
The verdict sends a clear message that attempts to use violence to further political grievances will face the full force of the law.
