Met Snaps Up Terror Online Blogger Encouraging Violence Against Bangladesh
Munna Hamza Exposed and Arrested
The Met’s Counter Terrorism Command has shut down Munna Hamza, 50, after he posted illegal online content urging terror attacks against the Bangladeshi government. A vigilant member of the public spotted one of Hamza’s extremist posts and tipped off police, sparking a swift investigation.
Hamza was arrested at his south London workplace on July 4, 2018. Officers seized his computer, phones, and memory sticks for forensic checks. He admitted posting the inflammatory content and was initially bailed.
Convicted at Woolwich Crown Court
On Wednesday, January 13, Hamza was found guilty of three counts of encouraging terrorism under the Terrorism Act 2006. These charges covered posts made between September and December 2015 (counted as one charge), and separate posts on May 3 and May 16, 2018.
He was cleared of a separate charge linked to a post from June 24, 2018, following detailed forensic examination.
Police Praise Public for Playing Their Part
“I praise the member of the public for alerting us to Hamza’s harmful, extremist posts,” said Commander Richard Smith, head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command. “This tip-off helped us stop further dangerous content that could have triggered violence and terror.”
“We take such extremist rhetoric seriously and will prosecute any illegal activity. The public’s vigilance is vital. Thousands of reports every year help us tackle the terror threat.
If you spot anything suspicious online or offline, trust your instincts and report it confidentially at gov.uk/ACT. Together, we keep communities safe.”
What the Posts Said
- Hamza’s posts called for serious acts of violence against Bangladesh’s Prime Minister and government.
- The Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit reviewed the posts and confirmed they breached UK terror laws.
- Hamza faces sentencing on March 4 at Woolwich Crown Court.
