A 30-year-old man from North London has been convicted of disseminating terrorist publications after an investigation by the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command. Zaheed Hossen was found guilty on Thursday, 8 August, at Kingston Crown Court following a two-week and four-day trial.
The investigation began after Hossen was stopped under Schedule 7 powers at an airport. Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act 2000 allows officers to stop and question individuals at UK ports and borders to determine whether they are involved in acts of terrorism. The subsequent inquiry uncovered evidence that Hossen had shared terrorist-related documents.
Hossen was charged with five counts of disseminating terrorist publications, which are serious offences under UK law. Dissemination of such material can involve sharing, distributing, or publishing documents that could incite or encourage acts of terrorism.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command commented on the case, stating, “This conviction is the result of a thorough investigation following the use of Schedule 7 powers. The dissemination of terrorist publications is a serious crime that poses a significant threat to public safety. We are committed to identifying and prosecuting those who seek to spread such dangerous material.”
The conviction at Kingston Crown Court marks the culmination of an extensive investigation, during which evidence was meticulously gathered and presented to the court. The jury found Hossen guilty on all five counts.
Hossen is scheduled to be sentenced at a later date. The sentencing will consider the severity of the charges and the potential impact of his actions on public safety.
The Metropolitan Police have reiterated their commitment to tackling terrorism and ensuring that those who promote or facilitate terrorist activities are brought to justice. The case serves as a reminder of the ongoing threat posed by terrorism and the importance of vigilance and cooperation in countering such threats.