Teenagers as Young as 13 Under Investigation for UK Far-Right Terrorism
Authorities in the United Kingdom are investigating a group of teenagers as young as 13 in connection with suspected far-right terrorism. The group is believed to have been planning attacks on mosques and other places of worship.
The investigation, which is being led by the Metropolitan Police Counter-Terrorism Command, has uncovered evidence of the teenagers’ radicalization and plans for violence. The group is believed to have been inspired by far-right extremist ideologies.
Experts have tracked 49 children convicted of terror offences since 2016 – all but one of whom are boys – and this week Ken McCallum, the head of MI5, said “13% of all those being investigated by MI5 for involvement in UK terrorism are under 18”, a threefold increase in three years.
The news of the arrests has sparked widespread concern and condemnation. Experts warn of the growing threat of far-right extremism among young people, who are often vulnerable to online radicalization. The investigation is ongoing, and further details about the case are expected to be released in due course.
