A Scottish man is facing trial for a terrorist offence after posting a list of Belfast drug dealers along with an execution threat on a Republican group’s Facebook page. Andrew Stephen Rae appeared at Laganside Court in Belfast on December 10 to face charges of possessing documents or records useful to terrorism. The Crown alleges that on March 22, 2022, Rae had a document containing a list of alleged drug dealers in Belfast and a threat that they would be ‘executed’, which could be useful to those planning acts of terrorism. During the trial, a prosecuting barrister outlined how a screenshot posted by Rae on a Facebook page included a list of 25 names of alleged drug dealers in Belfast, along with a mention of ‘The Republican Movement’ and a threat of execution.
The investigation into Rae’s actions began when a detective from the PSNI came across the post on the Republican Activist Coalition’s Facebook page in August 2021. The post, which announced a campaign to name drug dealers in the community, received reactions from users, including shares and comments in support of the initiative. A screenshot of the list of names allegedly posted by Rae appeared under the post, indicating his involvement. When police traced the Facebook details to Rae’s address in Glasgow, they seized his mobile phone and arrested him. During a police interview, Rae admitted to posting the list on the Facebook page but claimed he thought the individuals had already been named and was reposting the list.
The Crown barrister highlighted that the list and threat posted by Rae were not typical records found in public possession and could be utilised by terrorist groups to enforce their own version of justice. The prosecution also informed the court that the individuals named on the list were contacted by the police regarding the threats against them. Despite Rae’s assertion that he found the image on lamp-posts and in bars in Belfast, the prosecution maintained that Rae’s actions were of serious concern in relation to terrorism.
Rae’s trial sheds light on the potential repercussions of posting threatening content online and the impact it can have on individuals and communities. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of propagating violence and vigilantism through social media platforms, and underscores the authorities’ commitment to investigating and prosecuting such behaviour to uphold public safety and security.
In conclusion, the case of Andrew Stephen Rae illustrates the serious implications of posting threatening content online and the importance of responsible online behaviour. It highlights the role of law enforcement in investigating such incidents to safeguard communities from potential acts of violence and terrorism. As individuals, it is crucial to exercise caution and restraint when sharing information online, especially when it involves threats or incitement to harm others. By promoting a culture of respect and non-violence in online interactions, we can contribute to a safer and more secure digital environment for all users.