Handsworth woman jailed for distributing IS propaganda

A 39-year-old woman who distributed propaganda videos encouraging acts of terrorism for so-called Islamic State (IS) has been jailed for five-and-a-half years.

Aaminah Amatullah was convicted in December of two offences of disseminating terrorist publications, contrary to the 2006 Terrorism Act.

A jury at Birmingham Crown Court was told Amatullah, of Livingstone Road, Handsworth, was arrested and charged in November 2020 after an undercover investigation by counter-terror police.

The trial was told two videos distributed within four days by the defendant, who had no previous convictions, showed images of dead bodies, including children, after a battle to retake the IS stronghold of Al-Baghuz in Syria.

The videos also urged extremists to “target them on the streets” and included a speech encouraging terrorism by the leader of IS.

What did the judge say about Aaminah Amatullah crimes?

Passing sentence on Thursday, Judge Paul Farrer QC accepted Amatullah had been suffering from an emotionally unstable personality disorder, as well as anxiety and depression.

He told Amatullah: “Having heard the evidence presented to the jury, I have no doubt that by 2016 you held an extreme Islamic mindset.

“You believed that you were sending (one of the videos) to a female Muslim convert living in Northampton who shared your views.

“You intended to encourage terrorism – one of your social media contacts was arrested for terrorist offences in the Philippines.”

The judge said of Amatullah’s mental health issues and previous personal problems: “I accept that history and conclude that your vulnerability may well have played a part in your radicalisation.”

But he added: “Your actions demonstrated that you are a committed extremist.”

What did West Midlands Police say about the criminal case?

Chief Superintendent Kenny Bell, who leads Counter Terrorism Policing West Midlands CTU, said: “We cannot underestimate the dangerous nature of extremist propaganda and the influence it can have; which is why it is so important to hold to account those who share with others such social media posts.

“Communities defeat terrorism, and it remains vitally important that the public reports any suspicious activity to police.

“We can only succeed where we have the support of the public, and communities have shown time and time again that they are united in their rejection of those who wish to divide us, and spread hate in the name of extremism.”

What should I do if I suspect a terrorist offence is taking place?

Action Counters Terrorism. Anyone who sees or hears something they suspect is connected to terrorism is urged to trust their instincts and ACT by reporting it in confidence at gov.uk/ACT. In emergency, always dial 999.

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