Birmingham man denies expressing support for Hamas

A Birmingham man has denied expressing support for the proscribed terrorist group Hamas.

Mohammed Zahir Khan, 47, entered pleas to six charges when he attended a preliminary hearing at the Old Bailey on Friday.

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The defendant, of Alum Rock, Birmingham, pleaded not guilty to expressing support for a proscribed terrorist organisation.

The charge alleges that between January 30 and February 12 on at least three occasions he expressed support for Hamas and “was reckless” as to whether a person would be encouraged to support a proscribed organisation.

He pleaded guilty to failing to comply with a serious crime prevention order by “failing to provide information relating to a communications device and use of social media accounts”.

He denied four further charges of failing to comply with notification requirements relating to email addresses, a telephone number and vehicle registration.

Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb said the case would be heard at Birmingham Crown Court.

A plea and preparatory hearing was set for July 11 and a provisional trial from December 15.

The defendant, who appeared in court by video-link from Hewell prison in Worcestershire, was remanded into custody.