Courts / Galway / Report
'So-called influencers' propagating extreme views to children, judge warns
Summary
During a sentencing hearing, Mr Justice Paul McDermott warned that teenagers are targeted by manipulative propaganda from terrorists and other dangerous elements online. He criticised those who argue for minimal internet regulation, noting the harm to children and the suffering inflicted on others. The judge spoke about a case involving a teenager who, after being exposed to radical Islamist ideology online, attempted to murder an Irish Defence Forces member. The teen, whose name is withheld due to age, attacked and stabbed army chaplain Father Paul Murphy (52) at Renmore Barracks in Galway on 15 August 2024. McDermott described the attack as "terrifying as it is extraordinary" and highlighted how vulnerable teens can be drawn to extremist content. He warned that "so‑called influencers" spread extreme political, religious or discriminatory views to children, who are easily preyed upon because of their immaturity and open access to the internet.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 'So-called influencers' propagating extreme views to children, judge warns. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision
When:
- August 15, 2024 Incident
- 2025-04-29 Publication
Why: He added: "This is made possible because these malign influencers or groups have very open and virtually uncontrolled capacity to establish and maintain such platforms. CNI source report
Places mentioned
- High Court
Topics
Stage Hearing Or Decision Violent Crime
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