British man arrested for encouraging 2015 Charlie Hebdo attack
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A Leicester man has been arrested for his online connection to the 2015 terrorist attack on the French satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo. Majid Novsarka, also known as Majid Freeman, has been charged with “encouraging terrorism over social media posts.”
It is alleged that by making posts relating to the deadly 2015 attack on the French satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo, 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”.
He is also charged with expressing support for Hamas, a proscribed terrorist organisation, on “various dates” between December 26 2023 and June 20.
The Pinnacle Gazette notes that the arrest is part of a French effort to investigate online discussion that may encourage violence.
Officials are adamant about cracking down on terror-related discussions online. This step reflects their commitment to preventing any resurgence of extremist activities targeting public figures and media outlets.
The move also highlights the challenges of moderizing content on social platforms where the line between free expression and incitement to violence is often blurred. Users often feel emboldened to express extreme opinions, not fully realizing the potential real-world consequences.
According to the Times of India, Novsarka allegedly played a part in fueling misinformation and “exacerbating tensions during the 2022 Leicester unrest between Muslim and Hindu communities”. Novsarka’s arrest is not tied to this allegation.
Novsarka is currently out on bail and will next appear in court in November.
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