Police officer admits terror offences over pro-Hamas WhatsApp messages
A 26-year-old police officer has pleaded guilty to terror offences after he shared messages on WhatsApp in support of Hamas just weeks after militants stormed into Israel on 7 October, killing around 1,200 people.
Mohammed Adil, who is currently suspended from his role as a West Yorkshire constable, shared two images in support of Hamas, which is a proscribed terrorist group in the UK.
Adil pleaded guilty in Westminster Magistrates’ Court to two counts of publishing an image in support of a proscribed organization in violation of the Terrorism Act.
The messages Adil shared on his WhatsApp stories in October and November last year show a Hamas fighter wearing a Hamas headband, the court heard.
The image posted on 31 October had writing on it saying: “Today is the time for the Palestinian people to rise, set their paths straight and establish an independent Palestinian state.”
It was said to be a quote from the leader of Hamas‘s military wing, Mohammed Deif.
The image on 4 November had another message on it, saying: “We will hold accountable all those who occupied our lands and Allah will hold accountable all those who remained silent against this occupation and oppression.”
The second quote was said to be from Abu Ubaida, a spokesman for the Al-Qassam brigade - which is Hamas’s military wing.
He shared the images just weeks after the 7 October attack on Israel that killed 1,200 people and saw another 250 being taken hostage.
Two of Adil's colleagues reported to their superior officers that they had viewed images posted by Adil on his WhatsApp stories which caused them "concern", the prosecution said.
Adil had 1,092 contacts on his WhatsApp at the time who would have been able to access the images for 24 hours, prosecutor Bridget Fitzpatrick told the court.
Adil was arrested on 6 November and had his mobile seized. He answered no comment to all questions during his interview.
Adil, from the Wibsey area of Bradford, who spoke to confirm his name, date of birth, address and to make his pleas, was given conditional bail and the case was adjourned for a pre-sentence report to be prepared.
He will be sentenced on June 4 at the same court.
Chief magistrate Paul Goldspring said: "I accept that at the time of the offending you were of good character.
"The Crown has conceded you didn't put the pictures on WhatsApp against the public at large."
Mr Goldspring added the matters are "very serious" and said at this stage he is not persuaded he can "rule out custody".
Adil, who is based in Calderdale, is currently suspended.
