Teenager Accused of Glorifying Right-Wing Terrorists
A 19-year-old standing trial at Kingston Crown Court was described as a 'big fan of Hitler' who constructed components for explosive devices in his bedroom, jurors were told on Monday. Rex Clark, from Ilford in east London, faces charges of attempting to purchase a firearm and six counts of disseminating terrorist publications.
Alleged Online Activity and Bomb Experimentation
Prosecutor Louis Mably KC informed the court that Clark, who was aged between 17 and 18 at the time of the alleged offences between October 2023 and August 2024, was an 'avid internet user' with extreme right-wing views. He allegedly shared these interests with his girlfriend, Sofija Vinogradova, with the pair spurring each other on.
Mr Mably stated that Clark 'experimented with making parts of explosive devices' in his bedroom. While the parts discovered by police during a search on 10 August 2024 contained no actual explosive material and were not capable of detonation, the prosecution alleges they were evidence of him 'experimenting with homemade bombs'.
The court also heard that Clark is accused of sharing online material that glorified notorious right-wing terrorists. This included videos featuring Anders Breivik, the Norwegian mass murderer, and Brenton Tarrant, who killed 51 people in the 2019 Christchurch mosque attacks.
Attempted Firearm Purchase and Legal Defence
Between 1 June and 10 August 2024, Clark and his girlfriend allegedly attempted to buy a Glock self-loading pistol. The prosecution clarified that the seller they contacted did not actually possess a handgun to sell, and there is no suggestion Clark intended to use it for terrorist purposes.
Mr Mably emphasised to the jury that holding neo-Nazi beliefs is not in itself a crime. However, he argued that by promoting and glorifying mass killings, Clark was offering encouragement to others to commit similar acts of violence. 'Others may be prepared to take up that idea, and actually carry out violence,' he warned.
Rex Clark denies all charges against him. The trial continues.
