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A man accused of being a Hamas supporter has appeared in court charged with terror offences.

Majid Novsarka, also known as Majid Freeman, appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday charged with encouragement of terrorism and supporting a proscribed organisation.

Prosecutors said that on various dates between 26 December last year and 20 June, he expressed an opinion or belief supportive of Hamas, which is a proscribed terror organisation.

Mr Novsarka, 36, of Cecil Road, Leicester, has been released on bail and is due to appear at the Old Bailey on 16 August.

The court also heard that on 11 March, Mr Novsarka is accused of posting a statement on social media in relation to the 2015 deadly attack on the French satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo, encouraging people to commit, prepare or instigate acts of terrorism.

Mr Novsarka, who was arrested on 9 July following an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing East Midlands, spoke only to confirm his name, age and address, and did not enter pleas.

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