Yahia Mawad

Yahia Mawad Mohammed Rajeh, born on May 17, 1983, in Samanoud, Egypt, also known as Payumi Yahia, born on May 17, 1983, in Gaza, Palestine, was arrested on June 7, 2004, and was detained at the Spoleto prison. He was involved in terrorist activities, primarily as an accomplice willing to carry out any action required by the organization, including suicide attacks. Additionally, he provided shelter in his apartment to Rabei Osman El Sayed Ahmed, who was involved in the 2004 Madrid bombing attacks.
Yahia’s brother first came into contact with Rabei in Paris while residing in France. Following this connection, Yahia entered Italy clandestinely in May 2004, immediately traveling to Milan, where he met Rabei at a local mosque. Yahia had been directed towards Rabei by his brother before leaving Egypt, who informed him that Rabei, indebted to the family, could provide financial support. In Milan, a fellow countryman offered Yahia an apartment on Via Chiasserini, where he later invited Rabei to live with him.
During interrogations Yahia denied discussing any intentions to sacrifice himself for the Islamic cause with Rabei. However, several intercepted communications between Yahia and Rabei revealed that Rabei actively indoctrinated Yahia, preparing him for potential martyrdom as a suicide bomber. In these conversations, Yahia expressed his willingness to engage in these activities, asking Rabei for tapes to listen to, symbolizing his readiness. In another interception, Rabei encouraged Yahia to “prepare” to travel to Syria, dismissing concerns about obtaining a visa by suggesting alternative means of entry, even mentioning that Yahia would receive a “warm welcome” in Syria. Rabei also urged Yahia to listen to and memorize religious chants, particularly those of “martyrs,” to eliminate any fear.
In one recorded conversation, Rabei told Yahia, “The important thing is that you integrate into al-Qaeda.” He continued, “The Quran says we must wage jihad. You see, those in Madrid have purified our hearts. I don’t hide from you that we were the ones who carried out the Madrid attack; I prepared the operation in Madrid. Do you understand? The project is mine; their group is my group. Do you understand? They are all my friends.” Although Yahia did not directly participate in the Madrid attack, he expressed his commitment to the cause, stating, “The least we can do is offer ourselves,” referring to the willingness to become a martyr.
In another intercepted conversation, when Rabei mentioned that “when the day comes, it will be your time; you never know when… when you least expect it, it will come,” Yahia responded enthusiastically, saying “perhaps,” demonstrating his readiness to sacrifice himself for the cause. Yahia also expressed a strong desire to travel to Syria, stating in an intercepted conversation that he “had a great desire to go,” to which Rabei replied, “They will be waiting for you, but it’s not certain that Syria will be the place you go. Plans can change, but if that is your destination, a family will be waiting for you.”
The court determined that Yahia had explicitly committed to participating in terrorist acts, having been indoctrinated by Rabei through various materials and showing a willingness to leave Italy for Syria. Yahia was not only considered an associate due to his recruitment by Rabei but also for his overall acceptance and endorsement of the terrorist agenda implied by his commitment. The court noted Yahia’s young age, the brief duration of his involvement, and the fact that his plans were not carried out as mitigating factors. Consequently, Yahia was sentenced to five years in prison.