Repeat Extremist Jailed for Daesh Post on 7/7 Anniversary
Shafi Saleem, 35, from East London, has been slammed with a 10-year prison sentence after sharing Daesh propaganda on social media. The convicted terrorist reposted footage of suicide bombings on the grim anniversary of the 7/7 London bombings, which killed 52 and left over 770 injured.
Harsh Sentence Delivered at Old Bailey
On Wednesday, July 31, Judge Angela Rafferty KC handed Saleem nine years behind bars plus an extra year on extended licence. The judge called the timing “highly suspicious,” stressing Saleem’s deliberate intent to spread extremist ideology on the tragic 2005 attacks’ anniversary.
Known Terrorist with Dark History
- Saleem was jailed in 2018 for two years after posting Daesh images encouraging terrorism.
- Released in 2019, he was bound by a Notification Order but broke it and served ten months in 2020.
- His extremist online behaviour has been relentless, proving he’s a serious risk to public safety.
Undercover Operation Snags Saleem
An undercover cop caught Saleem in May 2022. Saleem was arrested at Heathrow Airport on Valentine’s Day after flying in from Pakistan. In a police interview, he told officers he barely watched the extremist video, but prosecutors slammed this as rubbish.
Additional Charges Reveal More Deception
- Saleem broke counter-terror laws by hiding a phone from his probation officer.
- He used a secret SIM card to open a Facebook account for extremist posts.
- He hurled homophobic abuse and threats at arresting officers, which the judge branded “vitriolic and full of hate.”
Police Warn of Online Radicalisation Risks
“Extremist content online can cause serious harm, especially to vulnerable youths, and is meant to radicalise,” said Detective Chief Superintendent Hayley Sewart. “Saleem’s repeat offences show how seriously we take enforcement.”
Court Notes Autism and Calls for Rehabilitation
The court heard Saleem has mild Autism Spectrum Disorder, which worsened his isolation and low self-esteem. His lawyer urged he be kept offline and engaged in positive activities to avoid future crimes.
During remand, Saleem was moved from Wandsworth to high-security Belmarsh prison following another inmate’s escape.
Stay Vigilant – Police Urge Public to Report Extremism
Law enforcement continues to warn the public to report any extremist material online to prevent radicalisation and safeguard communities.
The Final Word
Saleem’s hefty sentence sends a clear message: posting extremist propaganda has serious consequences. The fight to stamp out online terrorism continues with full force.
