Baghdad court sentences ISIS member to life in prison over online propaganda

BAGHDAD, Iraq — A Baghdad criminal court has sentenced a member of ISIS to life in prison for using social media to spread the group's news and promote its ideology. The Karkh Felony Court issued the ruling under provisions of Iraq's Counter-Terrorism Law and Article 132/1 of the country's penal code, which apply to individuals who join or support designated terrorist organizations, the Judicial Council's media unit said. The defendant had been prosecuted for circulating the organization's propaganda and disseminating its ideology online, according to the council. The court found the conduct fell within the legal framework targeting members and supporters of terrorist groups operating in Iraq. The case highlights the ongoing legal action taken against online propaganda linked to ISIS. Iraqi officials have identified the spread of extremist content on social media platforms as a continuing security concern. No further details about the defendant or the proceedings were immediately available.