Edinburgh man jailed for two years after posting pro-ISIL images on Facebook

Mr Mosdefaoui, originally from Algeria but resident in Edinburgh at the time of the offences, pleaded guilty to the charges on 23 November 2015.

In September 2014 and March 2015, the accused posted messages on his Facebook account in support of the terrorist acts of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS).

The messages amount to encouragement of support for a proscribed group and may be inferred to encourage acts of terrorism generally.

The Facebook activity came to the attention of Police Scotland, and on 8 July 2015 his address in Edinburgh was searched.

A number of items were recovered including a Belgian identity card, which was discovered within a wallet.

Following assessment of the card, the background print was found to be of a lower quality than was expected, and the reaction of the under natural and ultraviolet light differed from that which would be expected of a true travel document.

The accused admitted to owning a false identity document which he purchased in order to assist in finding employment in the UK.

Lindsey Miller, procurator fiscal for organised crime and counter terrorism, said: “Social media is a critical tool for ISIL, both in their attempts to radicalise and recruit new members, and in the spreading of their propaganda.

“Mosdefaoui repeatedly posted comments in support of ISIL and its leader on a public Facebook page, and was dealt with swiftly by prosecutors as soon as the offences came to light.

“We will continue to work closely with police and the intelligence services to ensure that Scotland has a robust line of defence against the spread of such damaging ideologies.”