Harlow Man Jailed for Nearly Six Years Over Pro-Terror and Antisemitic Posts
Zakir Hussain Sentenced at Old Bailey
Zakir Hussain, 30, from Harlow, was slammed with a hefty sentence on Wednesday, 26 June. The Old Bailey handed him five years and eight months behind bars, plus an extra three years on extended licence. Hussain had earlier admitted to four terrorism offences and seven counts of hate speech connected to his vile online activity.
The case blew open after an anonymous tip-off flagged Hussain’s inflammatory content on X (formerly Twitter). Using the handle @lewiswarren911, he glorified proscribed terrorist groups Hamas and Hizballah and cheered on the brutal Hamas attacks on Israel on 7 October.
On top of this, Hussain repeatedly shared antisemitic posts and openly praised Adolf Hitler, sparking outrage.
Counter Terror Police Crack Down Fast
Commander Dominic Murphy, who leads the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, confirmed:
“This investigation started thanks to a member of the public who was appalled by Hussain’s content. Our Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit swiftly assessed the posts and confirmed they breached terrorism laws. This case shows clearly — if you post extremist, unlawful material, we will act.”
Not His First Offence
When police caught Hussain in January 2024, he was already serving a suspended sentence for malicious communications. He had targeted the sister of a man who died in the 1989 Hillsborough disaster with threatening, abusive messages.
Despite previous punishment, Hussain carried on spreading extremist views. This led to four terrorism charges under the Terrorism Act 2000 and seven hate speech charges under the Public Order Act. He pleaded guilty on the first day of his trial, 20 March 2025.
Summary of Hussain’s Charges
Offence Legislation Details 4x Supporting a Proscribed Organisation Terrorism Act 2000, s.12(1A) Supporting Hamas and Hizballah 7x Publishing Threatening or Abusive Material Public Order Act, s.19 Antisemitic posts and praise of Hitler
Spot Extremism Online? Report It
Police urge the public to report any suspicious extremist content online to Counter Terrorism Policing. Stay alert and help stop hate spreading.
Report it here: www.act.campaign.gov.uk
