Anjem Choudary gets life sentence for directing terrorist organisation

A judge has sentenced the radical preacher Anjem Choudary to life in prison, with a minimum term of 28 years, for leading a prohibited terrorist group. The judge stated that he believes Choudary will continue to pose a threat for the foreseeable future.

Following a court case at Woolwich crown court in south London, Choudary was found guilty last week of playing a key role in leading al-Muhajiroun (ALM) from 2014 onwards. This responsibility was taken on after the group's founder, Omar Bakri Muhammad, was imprisoned in Lebanon.

Choudary, who is 57 years old and lives in Ilford, located in east London, also urged backing for the group by speaking at virtual gatherings of the New York-based Islamic Thinkers Society (ITS), which Mr. Justice Wall described as a cover for al-Muhajiroun's activities.

When Choudary was sentenced on Tuesday, Judge Wall mentioned that the preacher had served as the leader of ALM until around 2023, with a break when he was imprisoned in 2016 for his involvement with Islamic State. He also noted that Choudary was on licence from 2018 until July 2021 after being released from prison.

Choudary's conviction in 2016 marked the end of his long streak of avoiding legal consequences for his actions. For over twenty years, he was known for his frequent appearances in the media and his controversial protests, including ones held at the funerals of UK soldiers.

Wall informed Choudary that he would be in prison for over 26 years, counting the time he has already served. This means he won't be able to leave prison until he is at least 85 years old. The judge also mentioned that even after that age, he would need strong evidence of a change in his mindset to be considered for release.

Wall critized Choudary's ideas as "deeply rooted and disgusting", stating that his behavior could result in the harm or loss of many lives.

The judge also said that by leading a group like al-Muhajiroun, you played a major role in spreading fear of terrorist attacks from radical Islamic organizations in this country and overseas.

"You also hindered the efforts of many people trying to create connections between Muslims and individuals of various belief systems living in the United Kingdom."

Security professionals say that Choudary has had a significant impact on a large number of British radicals.

The judge described the trial evidence as "disturbing," revealing Choudary's refusal to acknowledge the Holocaust and making jokes about the 9/11 attacks. These extreme views, combined with his past illegal actions, were seen as a warning of the potential danger he could present in the future.

Wall expressed his belief that the individual will persist in spreading their message of hatred and discord, regardless of any attempts to deter them. He doubted that they would be swayed from their path, even if given the chance to speak again in the future.

"You are at high risk of causing serious harm to the public in the future if you continue to commit similar offenses."

Choudary gave his first virtual talk for ITS in June 2022, after his licence restrictions ended. Wall reported that he conducted around 30 lectures, promoting aggressive dawah and violent actions.

The ITS was secretly monitored by undercover police officers in the United States, who attended virtual lectures in 2022 and 2023 on the Element messaging app. Choudary was found guilty as a result of inquiries conducted by the Metropolitan police, the New York Police Department (NYPD), and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Khaled Hussein, a 29-year-old man from Canada, was sentenced to five years in prison with an additional year on probation. Prosecutors described him as a loyal supporter of Choudary and a member of ALM.