Extremist jailed

An extremist who made online threats against the South Park creators for depicting Mohammed in a bear suit has been jailed for 21 years.

Zachary Adam Chesser, 21, admitted the charges in October and said in court: ‘I accept full responsibility for all of my actions, and I would like to take the opportunity to express remorse.’

He made inflammatory posts on several websites in April last year warning South Park writers Trey Parker and Matt Stone they risked violent retribution for their actions, and included their home addresses.

In one post he evoked the murder of Dutch filmmaker Theo Van Gogh saying: ‘We have to warn Matt and Trey that what they are doing is stupid and they will probably wind up like Theo Van Gogh if they do air this show.’

US Attorney Neil MacBride said: ‘His actions caused people throughout the country to fear speaking out - even in jest - to avoid being labeled as enemies who deserved to be killed.’

Chesser, who was born in America, admitted providing material support to terrorists, communicating threats and soliciting others to threaten violence.

He was arrested in July last year after attempting to board a flight to Uganda with his baby son. He said he was trying to reach Somalia to join the militant Al-Shabaab group.

Published: 25 Feb 2011