Summary
A man from Kent has been jailed for sharing graphic Daesh beheading videos online which supported the terrorist group.
Following an investigation led by Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE), Mohammad Malik, of Burnt Oak Terrace, Gillingham, was sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment at a hearing at Winchester Crown Court today (21/9).
The 24 -year-old had been found guilty of two counts of disseminating a terrorist publication and two counts of expression of support for a proscribed organisation, following a trial at the same court which concluded on 10 April.
Malik received a nine-year extended sentence, meaning he will also serve a one-year additional licence period.
During the trial, the court heard that Malik operated across a number of social media channels and shared footage of Islamist groups including graphic videos, some of which were produced by the media wing of Daesh. He edited some videos which featured footage of executions and beheadings.
CTPSE officers executed a warrant at Malik’s home in Gillingham on 14 January last year. They seized a phone, computer hard drives, swords, knives and a homemade Daesh flag.
Detective Chief Superintendent Oliver Wright, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing South East, said: “Malik held an Islamist ideology and had an extensive library of footage from proscribed organisations, terrorist attacks and conflicts. He shared extreme Daesh content online with others while claiming these videos – which included beheadings and executions – were ‘artistic’ and of ‘editorial value’ but instead they posed a risk of radicalising others and encouraging them to adopt similar extreme views.
“The very real risk is that those who subsequently adopt these extreme views go on to carry out acts of terrorism.
“This case highlights the work of Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE) proactively identifying someone committing terrorism offences as part of our work to keep the communities of the south east safe from harm. As a result of his actions, Malik will now spend a substantial amount of time in prison and the public will be protected from the risk he poses.”
Malik was also made subject to a Serious Crime Prevention Order and Part 4 Terrorist Notification requirements for 15 years.
Anyone who sees or hears something that could be terrorist-related should call police in confidence on 0800 789 321. In an emergency, always dial 999.
Visit gov.uk/ACT for more information, including how to report extremist or terrorist content that is online. You can use resources such as Internet Matters for practical safety advice. Seek early help if you are worried about radicalisation, visit ACT Early for guidance.