Man Sentenced for Supporting Hamas Online

Mohammed Nafees Ahmed, a 32-year-old accountant and self-described 'keyboard warrior', has been sentenced to one year in prison for threatening Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer with a knife emoji on social media. Ahmed, from Tipton, had dedicated his X account to advocating for Gaza and Israel following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack that killed over 1,100 people. He pleaded guilty to eight charges of supporting a proscribed terrorist organization and posted numerous antisemitic and violent messages, including threats to politicians and calls for 'death to Israel and America'. Judge Nigel Lickley KC emphasized that Ahmed's actions showed clear terrorist motivations and could not be overlooked given the heightened emotions surrounding the conflict. His account remained open for public viewing despite warnings, and he failed to heed advice from his wife to cease his online activity. In addition to his prison term, he will serve a further year on extended license upon release.