Hearing for Va. man accused of trying to join al-Shabab after criticizing ‘South Park’

‘South Park’ critic due in court on terror charges

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — A judge is scheduled to decide whether a Virginia man accused of trying to join an al-Qaida linked terrorist group in Somalia must remain in jail while he awaits trial.

Twenty-year-old Zachary Chesser gained notoriety earlier this year after posting a harshly worded online warning to the creators of “South Park” that they risked death for mocking the prophet Muhammad on their show.

Now Chesser is facing federal charges of providing material support to the Somali al-Shabab terrorist group. Prosecutors say he twice tried unsuccessfully to travel to Somalia to receive training from al-Shabab and join their organization. He also allegedly posted online propaganda on al-Shabab’s behalf.

Chesser has been in jail since his arrest Wednesday.