Two British soldiers and a third man have been charged under anti-terror laws for being members of a banned neo-Nazi group.
The men were identified as Mikko Vevhilainen, 32, originally from Finland, and Mark Barrett, 24, and Alex Deakin, 22, both serving soldiers in the British army.
They were all accused of being part of the banned neo-Nazi group “National Action”, and two of the men allegedly possessed articles that could be used for terrorism.
National Action was the first far-right group to be banned by the Home Office in 2016 after being described as “virulently racist, anti-Semitic and homophobic.”
Anyone found to be a member could face up to 10 years in prison.
It is thought National Action has around 100 members in the UK.
Vevhilainen is also charged with possessing a document containing information likely to be useful for terrorism and publishing material which is threatening, abusive or insulting, by posting comments on a website intending to stir up racial hatred.
Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated on the latest news and updates from around the Muslim world!
The 32-year-old is also charged with possessing pepper spray.
Barrett, who is based at Gaza Crescent in Dhekelia Garrison, Cyprus, faces a single charge of membership of National Action, contrary to the Terrorism Act 2000.
Deakin, from Beacon Road, Great Barr in Birmingham, faces the same charges in addition to possessing documents likely to be useful to a person preparing to commit an act of terrorism, and distribution of a terrorist publication.
The 22-year-old is also charged with inciting racial hatred after he allegedly posted National Action stickers at Aston University campus in Birmingham last July.
