An “idiot” Hamas supporter who used a knife emoji to threaten Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has been sentenced to a year in jail. Mohammed Nafees Ahmed, a 32-year-old accountant from Tipton in the West Midlands, pleaded guilty to eight charges of supporting a proscribed terrorist organisation. His actions, described as antisemitic and violent, extended over five months, during which he posted offensive messages advocating “jihad” and inciting hatred on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Ahmed’s posts intensified following the Hamas terrorist attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of over 1,100 people. Ignoring repeated warnings from his wife to stop, he continued to share inflammatory content, including a message directed at Sir Keir Starmer during Chanukah: “You Zionist, your time will come (knife emoji).”
Judge condemns ahmed’s actions
Sentencing Ahmed at the Old Bailey, Judge Nigel Lickley KC highlighted the gravity of his actions, stating, “I am satisfied you had terrorist motivations. Your words played a part in a worldwide dialogue at the time. Your behaviour cannot be overlooked.” The judge rejected claims that the case was exceptional and warranted leniency, imposing a one-year jail term followed by a year on extended licence.
More Read
Offensive posts and arrest
Prosecutor Peter Ratliff outlined Ahmed’s online activities, which included advocating violence against Israel, America, and Jewish individuals. Posts from his account called for the eradication of Zionists and included antisemitic threats directed at high-profile figures such as then-home secretary Suella Braverman, US President Joe Biden, and broadcaster Piers Morgan.
Despite receiving a warning from the X platform about violating its rules, Ahmed’s account remained active until his arrest in March 2024. Upon his arrest, he initially refused to comment but later admitted ownership of a device linked to his online activity.
Defence pleads for leniency
In mitigation, defence lawyer David Martin-Sperry portrayed Ahmed as a man who acted impulsively out of emotional distress caused by images of injured children in Gaza. He described Ahmed’s actions as a “complete lapse of judgment” and emphasised his client’s remorse and lack of prior knowledge about Hamas. Martin-Sperry said, “He acknowledges his actions were misguided and ill-thought-out. He describes himself as an ‘idiot.’”
Ahmed, a married father of two, had been employed as an accountant and pharmacy delivery driver before his arrest. He lost his job with a Walsall housing group and now works as a food delivery driver. His defence team stressed the impact of his arrest on his family and his enduring regret over his actions.
Judge’s closing remarks
Judge Lickley concluded that Ahmed’s actions could not be justified by emotional distress or ignorance of Hamas’s status as a terrorist organisation. “The offending was so serious that only an immediate jail sentence would suffice,” the judge stated.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of using social media to spread hate and advocate violence, particularly during times of heightened tensions.
