Shahid Butt

Shahid Butt is a 60-year-old man who was convicted in the late 1990s for his involvement in a violent plot in Yemen linked to an armed group with Islamist connections. He was imprisoned in Yemen in 1999 after being found guilty of participating in a band planning violent actions, including potential targets like the British consulate. After serving his sentence and being released in 2003, Butt has claimed that his conviction was unjust, asserting that he was part of a 'gang' rather than a terrorist organization and that his confession was obtained under torture. He has since engaged in activism against extremism and has acknowledged past mistakes while maintaining his innocence regarding terrorism charges. Recently, he announced his candidacy for a local council seat in Sparkhill, Birmingham, in the upcoming May elections, backed by the Independent Candidates Alliance.