The family of Salih Khater, a British citizen originally from Sudan, has denied that he had carried out a terrorist attack outside the Parliament in London after striking cyclists in a car crash.
His brother Abdullah told Asharq Al-Awsat that the family is “sure of his innocence” and has confidence in the British justice system.
Investigations will reveal that the suspect is not linked to any terrorist organization, Abdullah said.
Salih was arrested Tuesday after striking cyclists, then plowing his car into a security barrier.
Three people were injured when the 29-year-old careered over a pavement and into the group of cyclists during the morning rush-hour in Westminster.
He is being held on suspicion of terrorism and attempted murder, but has not been charged. A magistrate has given police until Monday to charge him, release him or seek another extension.
His brother told Asharq Al-Awsat by telephone that the family is “in a state of shock” over the accusations of terrorism against him.
Salih had been planning to visit his village in Sudan during Eid al-Adha holidays next week, he said.
“My brother is an ordinary person who does not adopt extremist thoughts and does not belong to any extremist group,” Abdullah said.
Salih Khater, originally from Darfur in Sudan, went to Britain as a refugee and had been granted asylum.
He is believed to be from Birmingham.
Police searched two addresses in Birmingham on Tuesday and were at a third address on Wednesday. Another location in nearby Nottingham was also searched.
In the wake of Khater’s arrest armed police have been deployed to two Birmingham mosques which were attacked with catapults.
Officers were called to the Masjid Qamarul Islam mosque around 10pm on Wednesday and the Al-Hijrah mosque 20 minutes later.
Police are continuing to patrol the area to reassure worshipers and residents, they said.
