A convicted ISIS terrorist who attended beheadings and public floggings in Iraq was jailed for two years after attempting to enter Britain illegally on a small boat. Mohammed Yaseen, 35, told authorities he came to the UK after hearing on TikTok that the country "accepts everyone," Winchester Crown Court heard.
Yaseen, who had previously been convicted of terrorism offenses in Germany, arrived in Britain on December 13, 2025, on a boat intercepted by Border Force with approximately 80 people aboard. He initially provided false information about his name, age, and origin, claiming to be Mohammed Ashimiri from Kuwait and seeking asylum. He stated he disliked France and had heard on TikTok that the UK welcomes asylum seekers and respects human rights. Biometric data later revealed his deception.
The court was told that Yaseen had a history of involvement with extremist ideology in Iraq, where he lived a "desolate" life before aligning himself with ISIS. He attended ceremonies including stonings and was found with a Kalashnikov rifle. He was convicted in Germany in 2020 for participating in and being a member of a terrorist organization, receiving a sentence of four years and three months. Following his conviction, he was expelled from Germany for 20 years.
After his release and subsequent journey through France, Yaseen attempted to enter the UK. He was arrested on Christmas Eve 2025 at an asylum seeker hotel in Basingstoke. He admitted to one charge of attempting to enter the UK without valid clearance. During the court proceedings, Yaseen required an Arabic interpreter, though the prosecution argued he had demonstrated the ability to speak English, switching to Arabic only when he realized he could be overheard by police and prison staff.
Judge Christopher Parker KC described Yaseen as a "significant public risk" and a "danger to the UK." He noted that Yaseen made no mention of his previous conviction in Germany during his UK asylum application process. The judge stated there was a strong likelihood Yaseen would be deported upon completion of his sentence. He was sentenced to two years imprisonment.