British man denies encouraging ISIS terror attacks on Prince George

A British man accused of sharing information about Prince George to incite a terror attack has denied terrorism charges. Husnain Rashid, 32, told the Woolwich Crown Court in London that he is not guilty.  

Prince George holds his father Britain's Prince William's hand as he arrives on his first day of school at Thomas's school in Battersea, London, September 7, 2017.REUTERS/Richard Pohle

Prosecutors say that Rashid posted details of the 4-year-old prince, including his school address and photos, on the encrypted messaging app, Telegram, to encourage ISIS supporters to plan an attack on the son of Prince William. Rashid is accused of writing in the app, "Even the royal family will not be left alone."

Other charges allege that he posted messages on the app encouraging others to join the Islamic State or participate in violent attacks.

It is claimed that Rashid shared a photo of the Burmese ambassador in Britain, as well as a map of New York City. He is also accused of posting, "New York Halloween Parade. Have you made you preparations? The Countdown begins," and an analysis of the 2016 attack on a football stadium in Istanbul, Turkey, in which at least 38 people died.

He also allegedly kept in touch with people he believed to be in IS territory and allegedly asked about travel routes to Turkey and Syria.

Authorities arrested Rashid in November 2017.  His trial has been set for May 14.

Barry Spielman, an Internet surveillance expert, told reporters that the posts about the prince needed to be "taken seriously."