Soldiers face terror charges linked to neo-Nazi group

THREE men, including two British soldiers, have appeared in court charged with terror offences over their alleged membership of a banned neo-Nazi group.

Lance Corporal Mikko Vehvilainen and Private Mark Barrett are accused along with Alexander Deakin of being part of National Action.

They were allegedly all mem- bers of a chat group exchanging racist messages, including plans for a white only Britain and a race war.

Vehvilainen is also charged with possessing a document containing information likely to be useful for terrorism and publishing material which is threatening, abusive or insulting.

He allegedly posted comments on a website intending to stir up racial hatred and had a copy of 2083: A European Declaration of Independence by Andrew Berwick (Anders Breivik).

The 32-year-old is also charged with possessing pepper spray.

Barrett (24) faces a single charge of membership of National Action, contrary to the Terrorism Act 2000.

Deakin (22) faces the same charge as well as possession of documents likely to be useful to a person preparing to commit an act of terrorism and distribution of a terrorist publication. He allegedly had a copy of “white resistance manual for fun” and sent “ethnic cleansing operations” to people over Skype.

The three men appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court yesterday.

After confirming his details to the court, Deakin said: “I’m a prisoner of conscience, I believe I’m innocent of these charges.”

He and Vehvilainen gave no indication of plea, while Barrett pleaded not guilty.

Vehvilainen, who is based at Sennybridge Camp, Brecon, Powys; Barrett, who is based at Gaza Crescent, Dhekelia Garrison, Cyprus, and Deakin, from Beacon Road, Great Barr in Birmingham, were all remanded in custody.

They are all due to appear on September 21 for a preliminary hearing at the Old Bailey.

National Action was banned under terrorism laws last December.