A MEMBER of the public reported messages seen on social media – and an investigation was launched which led to Munna Hamza, 50, of south London being sent to prison.
The messages urged readers to commit acts of terrorism in Bangladesh. Hamza was convicted after a trial at Woolwich County Court of three counts of encouraging terrorism contrary to Section 1(2) of the Terrorism Act 2006, to be followed by one year on licence when he is released. Hamza was arrested in July 2018 – but it took until 19th March for him to be convicted.
Commander Richard Smith, Head of the Metropolitan Police Counter Terrorism Command, said, “I praise the member of the public for alerting us to Hamza’s harmful, extremist posts. As a result, we were able to prevent him from publishing further incitements of violence and terror which could have had devastating consequences. I hope this case sends a message that we will seek to prosecute anyone who seeks to instigate acts of serious violence by posting extremist messages.
“Every year, thousands of reports from the public help police tackle the terrorist threat and I would remind everyone to remain vigilant and help us by reporting anything at all suspicious to police. If you see or hear something that doesn’t seem right, even if it is online, trust your instincts and act by reporting to police in confidence.”
●Anyone who wishes to report something which appears to incite terrorism can report it to: 0800-789 321 https://act.campaign.gov.uk/
●Read more about it: East London man was planning a terrorist attack Barking five in court on firearms charges
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