Man charged with encouraging terrorism appears in court
Majid Novsarka is on conditional bail and has been ordered not to post anything on social media
- Published
A man described in court as a "political activist" has appeared at the Old Bailey charged with encouraging terrorism over social media posts relating to the Charlie Hebdo attack.
Majid Novsarka, otherwise known as Majid Freeman, attended the London court on Friday charged with encouragement of terrorism and supporting the proscribed organisation Hamas.
It is alleged that by making posts relating to the deadly 2015 attack on the French satirical weekly, Mr Novsarka "intended members of the public to be directly or indirectly encouraged, or otherwise induced, by the statement to commit, prepare or instigate acts of terrorism".
Mr Novsarka, described in court as a "political activist", is also charged with expressing support for Hamas, a proscribed terrorist organisation, on "various dates" between 26 December 2023 and 20 June.
His trial was due to take place in Leicester but has been moved to Birmingham Crown Court because of "strong feelings" in the area.
Lee Ingham, prosecuting, said the case should be heard in another location because Mr Novsarka, 36, of Cecil Road, Leicester, was "fairly well-known" in the area as a "political activist".
The court was told the posts were made on Instagram and X, formerly Twitter.
Mr Novsarka is on conditional bail and has been ordered not to use or access social media to post or transmit anything with the exception of WhatsApp, the court heard.
He will next appear at the Old Bailey on 22 November.
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