Anjem Choudary, a notorious extremist preacher, has been convicted for directing a terrorist organisation. He was caught as part of an undercover operation that involved US and Canadian officers posing as terrorists. Choudary’s conviction means he could be sentenced to life in prison, highlighting his unwavering determination to recruit followers. In addition to Choudary, Khaled Hussein, a Canadian follower, was also found guilty of being a member of the banned group.
Choudary has been promoting the Islamist ideology that underpins jihadist violence for over a quarter of a century. He was a student of Omar Bakri Muhammad, the Syrian-born firebrand cleric who formed al-Muhajiroun (ALM), in the late 1990s. By 2010, the group was banned by the British government following members’ links to terrorism attacks. Choudary took over ALM’s leadership after Bakri Muhammad was jailed in Lebanon in 2014.
Authorities bugged Choudary’s home, and officers in the US and Canada posed as would-be terrorists to attend his online lectures. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police had been investigating a supporter of Choudary, Canadian petrol station attendant Khaled Hussein, and had already infiltrated its meetings. Choudary’s lectures were delivered to supporters in New York who called themselves “Islamic Thinkers Society”. While Choudary and Hussein were working on “Twitter storms,” Choudary was careful not to advocate violence.
Choudary’s supporters have operated under different names, with 11 of its offshoots being banned by successive home secretaries. Choudary’s second conviction shows the difficulties in dealing with a committed extremist. Commander Dominic Murphy of the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command has warned that Choudary’s influence will extend beyond the shores. The verdict against Choudary disrupts a radicaliser himself, rather than just the foot soldiers who carry out attacks. Choudary and Hussein will be sentenced on 30 July.
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