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Home » Radical Cleric Anjem Choudary Convicted for Directing Banned Terror Group Al-Muhajiroun

Radical Cleric Anjem Choudary Convicted for Directing Banned Terror Group Al-Muhajiroun

Last Updated on 24/07/2024 by wccexam Desk

Anjem Choudary, a radical cleric known for his extremist views and activities, has been convicted of directing a terrorist organization, specifically the banned group Al-Muhajiroun (ALM). This conviction, which could lead to a life sentence, is the result of a comprehensive international investigation involving law enforcement agencies from the UK, the US, and Canada, highlighting the complexities of counter-terrorism efforts in the modern world.

Background and Previous Convictions

Choudary, 57, has been a prominent figure in promoting jihadist ideology in the UK for over two decades. He was previously associated with Omar Bakri Muhammad, the founder of ALM, and took on a leadership role within the group after Bakri’s imprisonment in 2014. Choudary was convicted in 2016 for encouraging support for ISIS and served a five-year sentence, with conditions that restricted his internet use until July 2021. However, shortly after these restrictions were lifted, he resumed his extremist activities, including giving lectures and issuing statements via encrypted messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram.

The Investigation

The recent investigation into Choudary’s activities began in 2021, shortly after his restrictions expired. The Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command (CTC) collaborated with the New York Police Department (NYPD) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) to gather evidence against him. Undercover operations revealed that Choudary was actively involved with a group in New York known as the Islamic Thinkers Society (ITS), which was identified as a continuation of ALM. This group was reportedly engaged in similar extremist activities, and Choudary was found to be directing its operations through online lectures.

The investigation involved extensive surveillance, including the review of hundreds of hours of audio and video recordings, as well as thousands of documents. Evidence indicated that Choudary was not only leading discussions but also actively seeking to recruit and radicalize new followers, thereby perpetuating the ideologies of ALM and ISIS.

Court Proceedings and Sentencing

Choudary was arrested on July 17, 2023, alongside Khaled Hussein, a Canadian associate who had been aiding him in his extremist activities. They were both charged and subsequently convicted at Woolwich Crown Court on July 23, 2024. The prosecution presented a compelling case that demonstrated Choudary’s ongoing influence and leadership role within the banned organization, despite his previous convictions and restrictions.

During the trial, Choudary attempted to downplay his influence, likening himself to a famous footballer remembered for a single aspect of their career. However, the evidence presented by the prosecution painted a different picture, illustrating his persistent efforts to engage with and radicalize individuals, both in the UK and abroad.

Implications of the Conviction

Choudary’s conviction is significant not only for the immediate impact on his activities but also for the broader counter-terrorism landscape. It underscores the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in monitoring and dismantling extremist networks that operate under various aliases. The collaborative nature of this investigation highlights the importance of international partnerships in addressing the transnational threat of terrorism, particularly in an era where extremist ideologies can spread rapidly through digital platforms.

As Choudary awaits sentencing, which is scheduled for July 30, 2024, his case serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threat posed by radicalization and the complexities involved in combatting it effectively.