UK PHARMACIST JAILED FOR SHOWING BEHEADING VIDEO TO A CHILD

A pharmacist named Zameer Ghumra, aged 38, has been sentenced to six years in prison for his efforts to disseminate terrorist propaganda and radicalize children. The court found Ghumra guilty of trying to brainwash two young brothers by showing them ISIS-related videos, including beheading footage, and encouraging them to adopt an extremist ideology. He taught the children survival skills such as fighting with knives and surviving bomb attacks, rewarding them with sweets. Ghumra reportedly followed ISIS-linked social media accounts and had online conversations with radical preacher Anjem Choudary, describing him as a good man to the children.

During court proceedings, one of the boys testified that Ghumra showed him numerous beheading videos and expressed extreme views, asserting that anyone who spoke ill of Islam should be killed and that non-Muslims could not be friends. The mother of the boys reported she was alarmed by Ghumra’s influence, as her children were waking up frightened, believing someone was killing them. Evidence showed Ghumra’s computer had 1,600 search results for terms including 'survival knives' and 'bushcraft.' Although police seized some videos, the actual beheading footage was not recovered.

Judge Gregory Dickinson QC described Ghumra’s actions as particularly serious, damaging to the children, and offensive to the Muslim community at large. Ghumra was also noted for his lack of remorse. Public prosecutors emphasized that the aim was to radicalize the children for potential terrorist involvement, acknowledging the bravery of the children in giving evidence. After conviction, CPS representative Sue Hemming condemned Ghumra’s attempt to brainwash the children and highlighted the danger posed by his actions.