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Criminologist David Wilson probes Scotland’s battle with terrorism and discovers how the problem is a lot closer to home than we might imagine.

Criminologist Professor David Wilson presents the second series of crime talk show Crime Files. In this episode, he and his guests explore the issue of terrorism in Scotland, investigating where the threats come from and those who are making them.

Investigative journalist Fiona Walker heads to Glasgow Airport, the site of one of Scotland’s most notorious terrorist attacks. She recounts the events of 30 June 2007 which saw two men drove their jeep into the terminal building. Thankfully, the gas canisters inside the jeep failed to explode. She also uncovers the truth behind the attack, including two failed car bombs in London and the bombers’ headquarters in the unassuming village of Houston.

In the studio, David speaks in detail with Fiona about Bilal Abdullah and Kafeel Ahmed, attempting to get a better understanding of the history of the two men - just how did two well-educated men turn from contributing members of society to terrorists? Fiona uncovers Abdullah’s early radicalisation at medical school in Iraq and shows how use of online propaganda may have played a part.

David’s next guest is criminologist Dr Katharine Boyd, who speaks about the current practices used by modern terrorist organizations to gain followers. She helps David get to grips with new forms of terrorists such as incels, an online group of men who see themselves as involuntary celibates and so harbour ill will towards women. They also look at the case of Gabrielle Friel, who was recently convicted for terrorist offences.

David’s final guest s former prison governor Ian Acheson, who is now senior advisor for the prestigious Counter Extremism Project. He discusses how he spent the better half of his career working and studying the prison system, including learning how Islamic extremists use it as a breeding ground for new recruits. He also talks about his first-hand experience with terrorism growing up in Northern Ireland during the Troubles, and how that experience helped him understand the importance of communicating with terrorists in order to get a better understanding of their motives.

14 days left to watch

28 minutes

Audio described

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter David Wilson
Presenter Fiona Walker
Executive Producer Harry Bell

Broadcasts