Notorious UK Islamist Preacher Guilty of Directing Terrorist Organisation

[Social Media]

 

Anjem Choudary has been found guilty of directing a terrorist organization, facing a life sentence after being convicted at Woolwich Crown Court of his role in Al-Muhajiroun. Choudary, a 57-year-old Islamist preacher, was known for his radical views and influence, which he described as a "badge of honour." After being released early from a five-year sentence for inviting support for ISIS, his internet restrictions ended in July 2021. Almost immediately, he resumed issuing press releases on WhatsApp and Telegram from his home in Ilford, East London.

 

 

The conviction came as a result of a comprehensive investigation involving MI5, Scotland Yard, the New York Police Department, and Canadian police. In court, Choudary stood in a white t-shirt with his arms folded as the verdict was delivered. Over the past year, he delivered more than 40 lectures to audiences ranging from a few to up to 150 people from various countries, including Brazil and Afghanistan.

 

 

Authorities in the UK, US, and Canada were increasingly concerned about Choudary's attempts to recruit younger followers. Deputy Commissioner Rebecca Weiner of the NYPD described him as a "shamelessly prolific radicaliser," emphasizing the persistent threat he posed. Undercover US law enforcement officers infiltrated the Islamic Thinkers' Society (ITS) in New York, where Choudary began preaching online in June 2022. They recorded his speeches, in which he proudly claimed the title of "the number one radicaliser in Britain."

 

Choudary's influence extended to Khaled Hussein, a 29-year-old ITS member in Canada, who started an online magazine called al-Aseer and mentioned working with Choudary. British prosecutors needed to prove that Choudary continued to run Al-Muhajiroun, despite the group's supposed disbandment after the 7 July London bombings in 2005. Choudary, who helped establish the group in 1996, continued his activities under various names to evade anti-terrorism laws.

 

 

Throughout his career, Choudary has been linked to numerous terrorists, including Michael Adebolajo, the killer of Fusilier Lee Rigby, and Khuram Butt, the leader of the London Bridge attacks. During his trial, he admitted to performing a wedding ceremony for Adebolajo and being present at his conversion to Islam. Undercover American officers testified about a video conference call on 12 June 2022, where Choudary and his associates discussed continuing their activities under the name Al-Muhajiroun.

 

MI5 bugged Choudary's home, capturing key intelligence, including his conversations with Omar Bakri Muhammad, Al-Muhajiroun's spiritual leader who had fled to Lebanon. Choudary updated Bakri on the members who had become martyrs and shared contact information for "old timers." He was arrested in July last year when Khaled Hussein visited him from Canada, with Hussein also found guilty of being a member of a proscribed organization.

 

Despite Choudary's defense claims that Al-Muhajiroun had been disbanded in 2004, prosecutor Tom Little KC argued that Choudary's mindset had not changed. His message to his followers was not about legitimate religious expression but rather about encouraging terrorism. Commander Dominic Murphy of Scotland Yard's Counter-Terrorism Command emphasized the significance of the transnational investigation.

 

 

Over nearly 30 years, Choudary lived off benefits while advocating for violent jihad and promoting the establishment of an Islamic state in Britain. He was linked to various terrorists, including those involved in the London Bridge and Borough Market attacks, the Westminster attack, and numerous others. His endorsement of ISIS led many of his associates to travel to Syria, including Siddhartha Dhar, who appeared in an ISIS execution video.

 

Choudary's reach extended beyond the UK, influencing radical groups and individuals in Belgium, the US, and other countries. In a recorded conversation with his wife, he boasted about the global impact of Al-Muhajiroun. Even after his licence conditions were dropped, Choudary continued to engage with followers online, attracting hundreds of subscribers to his Telegram channel.

 

Authorities are increasingly concerned about the influence of radicalizers like Choudary on young people, particularly teenage boys. Commander Murphy noted the ease with which such figures can impact younger generations through online platforms. Deputy Commissioner Weiner highlighted the borderless nature of the threat posed by Choudary and the need for a coordinated international response.

 

Choudary's conviction marks a significant step in the fight against terrorism, but his long-standing influence and the network he helped build continue to pose challenges for law enforcement agencies worldwide.

 

 

Credit: Sky News 2024-07-25

 

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[stevenl]

Too little, too late. But something has been done.

[mikeymike100]

"Over nearly 30 years, Choudary lived off benefits while advocating for violent jihad and promoting the establishment of an Islamic state in Britain."

 

So for 30 years he has been living off the UK taxpayer, whilst preaching jihad/terrorism.

Now surely the UK Government didn't see the problem?? I men c'mon 30 tears?

[soalbundy]

1 hour ago, mikeymike100 said:

"Over nearly 30 years, Choudary lived off benefits while advocating for violent jihad and promoting the establishment of an Islamic state in Britain."

 

So for 30 years he has been living off the UK taxpayer, whilst preaching jihad/terrorism.

Now surely the UK Government didn't see the problem?? I men c'mon 30 tears?

He also has a home when many Brits are homeless, although one must presume that some woke idiot has given him British citizenship. I like what they are doing in Germany, raiding and closing down mosques where radical preaching is taking place and arresting the Imams.

[koolkarl]

I can imagine a lot of this brainwashing goes on in many mosques everywhere.  Years ago, it was revealed that in schools, very young students are brainwashed to hate Israel and the US.  A step in recruiting suicide bombers and making your life miserable at an airport.  Adopt a policy towards them as Japan has adopted. 

[brianthainess]

What a joke these idiots are, all they succeed in doing is creating hate towards all Muslims. And that Placard REALLY !!  they oppress there own women, and men. What a load of hypocrites, imagine their women rising against oppression, it would be more than bloodshed.