'We live in constant fear and get thrashed in jail after ISIS strikes'

Says Anees Ansari, an alleged Islamic State of Syria and Iraq (ISIS) sympathiser, who was arrested in 2014 for planning an attack on American establishments

Alleged Islamic State of Syria and Iraq (ISIS) sympathiser Anees Ansari, who was arrested in 2014 by the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), has claimed he was attacked by other inmates of the Arthur Road jail after the terror outfit attacked Paris in November last year. Ansari claims that post the Paris attacks, inmates from all religions attacked all the accused who have been jailed for ISIS-linked activities.

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Ansari was presented before the Sessions court on Wednesday, which was hearing his discharge application. Speaking to mid-day, he said, “After the ISIS attack in Paris, I was assaulted by the other inmates. All the accused who are linked to ISIS were attacked. We have been living in constant fear since.”

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He added, “The people who attacked me were not specifically from one religion but all. But, I did not complain about the incident. I have been kept in a barrack which houses more than 100 people accused in murder cases.”

When asked about his brainwashing sessions with the ATS, he said, “No such sessions are conducted to brainwash us. They’re all rumours.”

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Commenting on the degree he is pursuing from jail, Anees said, “I have taken admission for an MA in History but the atmosphere inside jail does not allow one to study. Also, you don’t need to study, all you need is just R2,000 and they will show you the answers.”

On Wednesday, defence advocate Sharif Shaikh, who is representing Anees Ansari was to argue on Ansari’s discharge application. But he sought for an adjournment and the matter will now be heard on February 8. After the defence, special public prosecutor Madhukar Dalvi would begin his arguments to oppose the discharge. Ansari’s bail application is also being heard in the Bombay HC.

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