Extremist who promoted 'violent jihad' jailed

An extremist who promoted "violent jihad" by sharing content and magazines has been jailed.

Mohammed Mahfuz Ahmed, from Cleethorpes, was convicted of publishing material encouraging terrorism and four counts of distributing terrorist publications in February following a trial at Sheffield Crown Court.

The 26-year-old was earlier sentenced to 10 years in prison at the same court, with a further five years extended on licence and handed a five-year serious crime prevention order, which will come into force upon his release.

Ahmed was also made the subject of terrorism notification requirements for 30 years, meaning he will have to keep the authorities informed of his whereabouts and activities.

Counter Terrorism Policing North East (CTPNE) said Ahmed, of Crowhill Avenue, openly encouraged murder and acts of violence via the material he shared and he was "committed to reaching as many people as he could".

He also added his own commentary to a post identifying new and "easy targets", demanding his followers to "Answer the Call", officers said.

"A significant portion of this content promoted violent jihad and included official Daesh magazines and propaganda," CTPNE said.

Det Ch Supt James Dunkerley described Ahmed as having a "deep-seated extremist mindset" who posted content which often included graphic content and glorified acts of terrorism.

"Ahmed was persistent and determined in his efforts to reach as many people as possible with his posts."

He said the extremist used five different accounts over a five-month period before his arrest in April 2024. He gathered more than 1,300 followers and received in excess of 14,000 likes in response to his content, the detective said.

"By sharing Daesh propaganda, he has promoted their cause and intentionally extended the reach and influence of their ideology," he said.

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