A MAN has been jailed for sharing a terrorism related video promoting extremist ideologies on the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
Slough man Shakil Chapra was sentenced on Friday, July 2, after sharing a video by terrorist group Boko Haram to his contacts on social media app Whatsapp.
Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE) carried out an investigation into Chapra after he sent an Islamist terrorism inspired video clip on September 11, 2019.
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The 43-year-old admitted to sending the video with the intention of encouraging acts of terrorism or helping with the preparation of a terrorist act.
Chapra was charged a year later on September 11, 2020 and later pleaded guilty to the offence.
On Friday, July 2, at Kingston Crown Court, he was sentenced to two and half year's imprisonment after which he will serve a 12 month special license.
In addition, he was given a five-year Serious Crime Prevention Order and a 10-year notification order, during which he is required to let authorities know about any changes in his personal circumstances.
Detective Chief Superintendent Kath Barnes, QPM, Head of CTPSE, said: “The video clip Chapra shared was produced by Boko Haram, which is a proscribed group. The clip showed distorted ideology and aimed to promote terrorist propaganda.
“He shared the clip via Whats App with the intent to convince other people to believe the terrorist messages within the video. It is often the most vulnerable people in society who are sent this terrorist content by people trying to influence and shape their views and ideologies. This can ultimately affect the safety of the public, and can have extremely serious consequences.”
Thames Valley Police said it is important that everyone is aware there is lots of help and support available if the behaviour of someone you are close to has changed and you are worried they may have become radicalised in their views.
Adding: "Every year thousands of reports from the public help police tackle the terrorist threat - we need the public’s help and always encourage people to report anything suspicious.
"If you see or hear something that doesn’t seem right, please trust your instincts and ACT early."
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