The cop, aged in his 30s, was arrested at a property in Gloucester on suspicion of the terror offence – contrary to Section 12 of the Terrorism Act 2000 – and was taken into custody
A police officer has been arrested by Counter Terrorism Police on suspicion of “supporting Hamas”.
The cop, aged in his 30s, was taken to a police custody unit outside of the Gloucestershire area while specialist officers carry out “a number of searches” in relation to their investigation, including of a vehicle and an address in Gloucester.
He was arrested at a property in the area “on suspicion of providing support for a proscribed organisation contrary to Section 12 of the Terrorism Act 2000 – namley Harakat al-Muqawamah al-Islamiyyah (Hamas)”, Gloucestershire Police said. The force added that the support relates to “activity online”.
Assistant Chief Constable Arman Mathieson said: “The arrest of a serving officer on suspicion of such a serious offence will no doubt cause our communities concern, as it does everyone who works for Gloucestershire Police.
“It’s important to note the suspected support relates to activity online and the searches taking place are predominately to locate digital devices for analysis. The arrest has been made to allow for a prompt and effective investigation to take place and we must not draw any conclusions at this stage.”
The UK government designated Hamas a terrorist organisation back in 2021. This means it is considered a criminal offence under UK law to belong to the group, or invite support for it. Offenders can spend up to 14 years in prison and/or be fined.
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