German Trail Opens for "Cyber Jihadist"

This may be one of the first prosecutions in the Western World for posting al Qaeda messages on the Internet. Germany, like most countries, has been slowly tightening and expanding anti-terrorism laws. This case will test the ability of German authorities to limit Islamist activity online.

"The case, experts say, underscores the increasing significance of the role of the Internet in global terrorism. Known to offer everything from sources of terror financing, the sale of chemicals and fertilizers, recruitment of members, to a complete terrorist attack how-to guide, monitoring the Web has long been high on counter-terrorism experts' list."

The article has a good discussion of free speech vs. anti-terrorism efforts.

"Cyber Jihadist" Trial Opens New Front in Anti-Terror Fight