Student denies threatening to murder 60 people in Discord ‘involuntary celibacy’ posts

A university student identifying with the "involuntary celibate," or "incel," community has denied charges of threatening to murder 60 people through online posts. Du Maosen, 22, appeared in court Wednesday for the commencement of his trial concerning messages he allegedly sent threatening violence at his school.

The prosecution alleges that Maosen disseminated messages containing threats of mass murder. The defense contests these allegations, leading to the current legal proceedings. The "incel" movement is an online subculture associated with misogyny and sometimes violence, though individuals within the community may not all share extremist views.

The trial at the Kwun Tong Magistrates’ Courts will examine the evidence presented by both the prosecution and the defense to determine Maosen's culpability. The case highlights concerns surrounding online radicalization and the potential real-world consequences of extremist ideologies expressed in digital spaces.