Repeat Terror Offender Jailed for Spreading ISIS Propaganda Online
A man with two previous terror convictions has been slapped with prison time for sharing extremist content on the web. Shafi Saleem, 34, from east London, was nabbed after a sharp probe by the Metropolitan Police Service (Met).
How Saleem Got Caught
In July 2022, Saleem posted Daesh propaganda on his private social media channel, ‘123 Airport’. The Met swung into action and charged him the very next day.
Police Warn of Online Extremism’s Dangers
“Extremist content online can cause serious harm in communities, particularly to young and other vulnerable people, and it is often intended to radicalise and recruit individuals to terrorist causes,” said Detective Chief Superintendent Hayley Sewart, head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command. “That is why we work diligently to identify those who disseminate such material and strive to have it removed from websites.”
Saleem’s Troubling Past and Police Crackdown
Saleem’s history of terror offences highlights the tough stance taken once offenders are back in the community.
“Terrorism offenders always have conditions imposed upon them when they re-enter communities, aiming to minimise the risk of reoffending and safeguard the public,” Sewart added. “That this is the second time Saleem has breached these conditions shows the strict enforcement by police.”
Earlier at the Old Bailey, Saleem was found guilty of disseminating terrorist publications under Section 2 of the Terrorism Act 2006. He also pleaded guilty to breaching notification requirements under the Counter Terrorism Act 2008 for having an unregistered SIM card, and using threatening words during his arrest under the Public Order Act 1986.
Saleem faces sentencing soon as the Met continues to clamp down on online extremist threats.
