A court in Mechelen sentenced an Afghan man on Tuesday to a four-year suspended prison term for his involvement in the activities of two terrorist organisations.
The man was found guilty of creating social media accounts for members of the Islamic State and its Khorasan Province branch (IS-KP), which operates in Asia. He also faced charges for disseminating and facilitating propaganda for these groups.
He had initially been arrested in Afghanistan in July 2020 and admitted to the charges at that time. However, after being released, he fled to Belgium, where he allegedly continued his activities, a claim he denies.
The federal prosecutor stated that sufficient evidence was recovered from his phones, indicating that he maintained a comprehensive ‘library’ to supply propaganda. The court revealed that he had been recruited by a leading member of the IS-KP’s media cell, with whom he stayed in contact. His role included ensuring that blocked members of the terrorist organisations could access new accounts on social media platforms, which is vital for sustaining the so-called holy war.
The prosecution sought the maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment and an €8,000 fine.
The accused denied any involvement in terrorist activities or in spreading propaganda, claiming his 2020 confession was coerced.
Despite this, the court found him guilty and handed down a suspended prison sentence beyond his preventive detention.
Over the next five years, he must adhere to conditions such as seeking employment, attending de-radicalisation therapy, and refraining from any contact with individuals who support or promote jihadism.
