A 29-year-old man from Southampton has been charged with multiple terrorism-related offences and is set to face trial at the Central Criminal Court in January 2025.
Abdullah Bellil, of East Street, Southampton, has been accused of distributing terrorist publications and expressing support for a proscribed organisation. He appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on December 27, where it was confirmed that his case would proceed to trial by jury.
Charges
Bellil faces four charges:
- Distribution of Terrorist Publications on 31 October 2024, under Section 2(1) of the Terrorism Act 2006.
- Distribution of Terrorist Publications on 18 September 2024, under the same legislation.
- Distribution of Terrorist Publications on 20 July 2023, with similar allegations of recklessness as to whether the material would encourage terrorism.
- Expression of Support for a Proscribed Organisation (ISIS) on 19 May 2024, contrary to Section 12(1A) of the Terrorism Act 2000.
Bail Status
Bellil has been remanded into custody due to concerns that he may abscond or reoffend, given the nature and seriousness of the charges and a lack of community ties.
Upcoming Trial
The trial is scheduled to begin at 10:00 AM on January 17, 2025, at the Central Criminal Court. Bellil has not entered a plea to any of the charges.
Key Legal Considerations
The prosecution alleges that Bellil’s actions included distributing material intended to encourage acts of terrorism and expressing opinions supportive of ISIS, a proscribed terrorist organisation under UK law.
The charges carry significant penalties under the Terrorism Act 2000 and 2006, reflecting the severity of offences related to the dissemination of terrorist propaganda and support for proscribed organisations.
