A right-wing extremist breached a terror prevention order to carry out Google searches related to Andrew Tate.
The male defendant, whose identity has not been revealed, was subject to a Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measure in the U.K. after being released from custody following a conviction for possession of materials likely to be used for a terrorist purpose, according to The Yorkshire Post. He was found to have violated that measure by making unauthorized internet searches, including those about controversial influencer Andrew Tate.
The Context
Tate, the self-confessed "king of toxic masculinity" and former kickboxer is a divisive internet figure, known for views which are widely considered to be misogynistic.
He is currently facing charges for rape, human trafficking, evidence tampering and forming a criminal gang to sexually exploit women in which they have used threats of violence to coerce them into sexual activity.
Last week, The Bucharest Tribunal ruled that Tate is allowed to leave Romania, where he faces multiple charges.
What We Know
The anonymous defendant, who is in his twenties and referred to as LXB, was placed under a Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measure (TPIM) in 2022, The Yorkshire Post reported, after being released from custody for possessing materials likely to be used for a terrorist purpose. TPIMs are used to monitor individuals suspected of terrorism-related activities who cannot be prosecuted or deported. The orders impose various restrictions, including electronic communication monitoring and limitations on internet usage.
Leeds Crown Court in England heard that LXB breached the TPIM by using unauthorized devices to access the internet. Specifically, he used the search bar of The Guardian website to bypass blocking software on his Home Office-approved laptop. His searches included topics related to Andrew Tate and "the science of terrorism."
The defendant made hundreds of internet searches over a four month period which were in violation of his restrictions.
During a police search in June last year, officers found a GoPro camera and a micro SD card in LXB's possession, both of which he was not allowed to have without approval from the Home Office, according to The Yorkshire Post. The SD card contained videos of LXB explaining his experience living under a TPIM order.
LXB pleaded guilty to four counts of breaking the TPIM notice.
The court also heard that the defendant had previously made threats to kill a Jewish politician, and had another conviction for making explosives.
Views
The court heard that LXB, in his police interview, claimed the TPIM restrictions were overly onerous and designed to cause him to breach the order, according to The Yorkshire Post. He argued that these restrictions isolated him and made it difficult to form friendships.
LXB's case has drawn attention to the use of TPIM orders. Since their introduction in 2011, TPIMs have primarily targeted suspected Islamic extremists. The BBC reported that LXB's placement under a TPIM marked the first time these measures were applied to a right-wing extremist.
What's Next
The defendant faces sentencing on Tuesday and the judge indicated that jail was the only appropriate sentence for the breaches.
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Marni Rose McFall is a Newsweek reporter based in London, U.K. Her focus is on U.S. politics, social affairs and ... Read more
