20.04.2026 21:50
A university student in the U.S. got into trouble for a joke message sent via WhatsApp. After the message he wrote about Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu was deemed a threat, the student was detained and now faces serious charges, bringing the debate over the boundaries of freedom of expression and security back to the forefront.
A university student in Florida, USA, was arrested due to a post made in a WhatsApp group. The student claimed that the message addressed to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was a "joke," but authorities considered it a serious threat.
THE MESSAGE WAS A "JOKE" BUT CONSIDERED A CRIME
It was revealed that Gabriela Saldana, a student at the University of Florida, wrote a message in the WhatsApp group saying, "Netanyahu, if you can hear me, send a bomb to the school." Although the student later stated that it was a "stupid joke," the message was reported by other students.
FBI-ASSISTED INVESTIGATION
Following the incident, the police launched an investigation that included the FBI. Authorities stated that the message was considered a "real threat" because it targeted a specific location and event.
FACING UP TO 15 YEARS IN PRISON
The student is being charged with "written threats," and under Florida law, there is a possibility of up to 15 years in prison. The judge remarked during the first hearing, "I understand it was a joke, but it doesn't look that way from the outside."
THE DEBATE ESCALATED
The incident has led to renewed discussions about the boundary between freedom of expression and security concerns in the USA. Experts point out that even joke-related messages targeting schools and public spaces can be considered serious crimes.