The FBI Is Locking Up People Over Retweets On Twitter

September 21. 2015

FBI Director James Comey

22-year-old Ali Saleh of Queens, New York was arrested by the FBI for making plans to join the terror group ISIS. Saleh went on Twitter and began retweeting ISIS propaganda and it was enough for the FBI and Department of Justice to secure an indictment against him. Saleh tweeted: "IS is winning battle of hearts and minds. People have started to realize that war is a necessity" "I am ready to die for the Caliphate, prison is nothing" and "Come and join the Caliphate."

It's ironic that Saleh states "prison is nothing" because that's exactly where he is headed (and do not let anyone fool you, prison is horrible and to be avoided, so stay out of trouble). The FBI views Twitter retweets (and favorites) of terrorist materials or pro-terrorist statements as an endorsement of said conduct. Socially and legally retweets (and favorites) do constitute an endorsement of the statements made, photos, memes, music, video and or links contained in the tweet.

 If a person endorses or plots criminal activity contained in their retweets/favorites they should face the legal consequences for it in a court of law. As the Drum website mentioned, America is not the only nation with this viewpoint. The British Crown Prosecution Service has a warning on its website, "Communications sent via social media are capable of amounting to criminal offences."

I don't know why people go online and act out. Things they would not have the gumption to state in person, they cut loose and post on social networking. Some people issue violent threats, espouse support for criminal activity and develop a pack mentality in attacking people and things in acts that are uncalled for and sometimes illegal.

The Judiciary Report has repeatedly warned in past articles to be careful of what you post on social networking as the police, feds and potential employers are reading your pages and your conduct online could prove quite costly (and in some cases cost you your freedom). But you know what, at the end of the day, if you are planning or involved in criminal acts and posting about it online showing very poor judgment, you are a danger to the community and yourself and legal intervention is needed from the authorities to protect others.

STORY SOURCE

Retweets count as endorsements according to the FBI

20 September 2015 - 9:25am - The FBI is seemingly viewing retweets of extremist propaganda on Twitter as endorsements following the arrest of a 22 year-old US citizen they were investigating. The FBI this week arrested Queens, New York, resident Ali Saleh after his use of Twitter bolstered an investigation into his attempts to join ISIS. Saleh had been using Twitter to formulate his plan since 2013 and in court papers seen by Gizmodo his retweeting of extremist messages were mentioned repeatedly in the legal case against him...

http://www.thedrum.com

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