A West Yorkshire police officer has been charged with a terrorism offence related to the conflict in Gaza.
Counter Terror Police North East have confirmed that Mohammed Adil, 26, from Bradford has been charged following a counter terrorism investigation.
He is accused of two counts of publishing an image in support of banned organisation Hamas, watchdog the Independent Office for Police Conduct said.
In a statement, CTP North East said that Adil, a serving police officer with the West Yorkshire force, "is charged with two counts of publishing an image in such a way or in such circumstances as to arouse a reasonable suspicion that he is a supporter of a proscribed organisation, namely Hamas, contrary to section 13(1a) Terrorism Act 2000."
A West Yorkshire police officer has been charged with terrorism offences after he shared an image of Hamas on WhatsApp
PA/Flickr
Adil was arrested in November last year and has been bailed to appear before Westminster magistrates court in London on Thursday.
Adil, who is based in Calderdale police station, is currently suspended.
The allegations are linked to messages that he shared on WhatsApp in October and November last year.
A spokesperson for the Independent Office for Police Conduct said: "A West Yorkshire Police (WYP) officer is due to make his first appearance in court to face two charges under the Terrorism Act.
He is accused of two counts of publishing an image in support of banned organisation Hamas, watchdog the Independent Office for Police Conduct said
Flickr
"The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) directed an investigation, carried out by Counter Terrorism Policing North East, into messages shared on WhatsApp.
"On conclusion of the investigation, we determined the case should be referred to the Crown Prosecution Service.
"On Monday, PC Mohammed Adil, 26, was charged with two counts of publishing an image in support of a proscribed organisation, specifically Hamas, contrary to section 13 of the Terrorism Act.
"The offences are alleged to have taken place in October and November 2023.
"PC Adil, based in Calderdale, is currently suspended by WYP. He is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court tomorrow (May 2)."
A spokesperson for Counter Terrorism Policing North East said: "A 26 year old man from Bradford has been charged with terrorism offences following an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing North East.
"Mohammed Adil is charged with two counts of publishing an image in such a way or in such circumstances as to arouse a reasonable suspicion that he is a supporter of a proscribed organisation, namely Hamas, contrary to section 13(1A) Terrorism Act 2000.
"Adil was arrested in November 2023 and has been bailed to appear before Westminster Magistrates Court on Thursday May 2, 2024."