New Zealander locked up for distributing extremist ISIS terror propaganda

The first New Zealander to be jailed for possessing, making and distributing extremist propaganda will be released on parole as he is no longer deemed a safety risk.

Imran Patel, 29, was locked up for three years and nine months in June 2016 after he admitted charges relating to the extremist videos.

Patel had distributed the twisted videos by text to 52 people, while more material showing extreme violence and torture were found at his house during a police raid.

Patel had his New Zealand passport had been cancelled after he was stopped at Auckland International Airport trying to fly to Syria with a friend.

The Parole Board granted Patel an early release from prison after a hearing on November 21.

Two earlier requests for parole – last year and again in February this year – were declined.

The Parole Board’s decision means Patel has had almost a year shaved off his original sentence, as his official statutory release date is September 12, 2019.

In its report, the Board noted he was now considered ‘moderate-low risk for reconviction.’

It also stated: ‘Radicalisation does not necessarily mean an individual will engage in terrorist behaviour’.

A report provided by a community adviser noted the ‘problems for a young Muslim man in a religiously contradictory environment with starkly contradicting values.’

Judge Neil MacLean, the Parole Board panel convenor, said: ‘The report points out that the whole court and parole process had forced Patel to revisit the basis of his existence’ and has a developing ability to remain calm.’

Earlier this year Mr Patel’s father told stuff.co.nz his son’s behaviour had been the result of falling in with the wrong crowd – a group of young Muslim men with extremist views.

‘We never wanted him to be with the group he used to be with. He was a bit of a headache for us, put it this way,’ said the father.

The Parole Board’s report concludes that Patel will be subject to comprehensive release conditions including guidance on religious matters, a strict curfew, a ban on initiating media contact, and on possessing or distributing objectionable material that promotes ‘hatred for any religious, ethnic or other group of people.’

Source: Daily Mail