Father jailed for jihad speech at Brighton mosque

From  the Brighton and Hove News and ITV News

A Brighton man who gave an uninvited speech at a mosque encouraging worshippers to commit violent jihad has been jailed.

Abu Baker Deghayes of Arundel Drive, Saltdean in Brighton was found guilty of encouraging terrorism after an Old Bailey trial in January.

The 53-year-old was arrested and charged after making an unwanted speech, the contents of which encouraged terrorism, at Dyke Road Mosque in Brighton on 1 November 2020.

He told worshippers committing Jihad was an obligation and he encouraged Jihad by the sword while making stabbing gestures.

Today (21/4) he was sentenced to four years imprisonment with one year on licence.

Asim Takriti, the chairman of the mosque, reported Deghayes, to police after being concerned by his speech on 1 November, 2020

Mr Takriti who has been the chairman of the mosque since 2018, told ITV News Meridian: “There were not only men, but also women and children present . . .Mr Deghayes ran the mosque for over 20 years, and there can be a culture of these sort of speeches. It was hard to stop him, especially as he had lots of supporters. It wasn’t a good situation, until Deghayes was arrested.

“It has improved slightly, but Mr Deghayes supporters are trying to claim the mosque back for them so it’s a hassle for us and the authorities, to cleanse the mosque of all forms of hate and commit any form of violence. . . I’m thankful to the authorities for taking swift action- and now he’s been sentenced today…”