Sharing of extremist material online results in eleven-year jail term

Hamasaleh has also been given a Serious Crime Prevention Order for a period of five years upon release and will be subject to notification requirements under Part 4 of the Counter Terrorism Act 2008.

Hamasaleh previously pleaded guilty to seven counts of dissemination of terrorist publications, contrary to Section 2 of the Terrorism Act 2006.

Electronic devices

In February last year, officers from Counter Terrorism Policing North West and Greater Manchester Police executed a warrant at Hamasaleh’s previous home address on Whiley Street in Longsight and seized numerous electronic devices.

Examination of these devices confirmed that he had shared numerous extremist videos and digital files with others, despite knowing that the content showed support for terrorist organisations.

During an appearance at Manchester Crown Court on 15 May this year, Hamasaleh admitted that he had shared some of the materials with the intention of encouraging others in the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.

In other cases, he accepted that he had been reckless in sharing the materials rather than intending to encourage others.

Ripple effect

Detective Superintendent Ben Cottam, head of investigations for Counter Terrorism Policing North West, explained: “The sentenced imposed on Mohammed Hamasaleh reflects the severity of his actions. In some cases, he was reckless in his behaviour but, in others, he admitted that he intended to encourage individuals to subscribe to the same extremist views he held.”

Cottam added: “The potential ripple effect from sharing extremist material and encouraging support for terrorist organisation is one that can be felt across communities, which is why it’s important that individuals such as Hamasaleh face up to the consequences of their actions.”