UK: Radical Preacher Anjem Choudary Found Guilty of Directing Banned Terror Group
London, UK – In a landmark case, Anjem Choudary, a radical Islamist preacher, has been convicted of directing a banned terrorist group in the UK. The 51-year-old was found guilty of encouraging support for the Islamic State (IS) and its affiliates, despite previously being released from prison after serving a 5.5-year sentence for urging support for the same group.
Choudary, a British national, was the leader of the banned organization, al-Muhajiroun, which was designated as a terrorist group by the UK government in 2010. He was arrested in 2014 and charged with aiding and abetting the Islamic State (IS) by spreading extremist ideology and promoting its cause online.
The trial, which lasted over two months, heard how Choudary used his website, social media, and public appearances to promote IS and its ideology, which included violent jihad and the destruction of Western values. Prosecutors argued that Choudary’s words and actions had a significant impact on others, inspiring them to join the extremist group or support its activities.
The jury at the Old Bailey court in London delivered the guilty verdict after deliberating for over four hours. Choudary showed no emotion as the verdict was read, while his supporters in the courtroom shouted "God is greatest" and "Sharia will come".
Choudary’s defense team had argued that he was simply exercising his right to free speech and that his views were protected by the UK’s laws on freedom of expression. However, prosecutors countered that Choudary’s actions went beyond mere speech and constituted an incitement to terrorism.
"This case sends a clear message that we will not tolerate the incitement of terrorism in the UK," said Director of Public Prosecutions, Max Hill. "Anjem Choudary’s actions were designed to stir up hatred and violence, and his conviction is a testament to the commitment of the authorities to keeping our country safe."
The conviction is seen as a significant victory for the UK government’s efforts to combat extremism and terrorism. Choudary’s sentencing is expected to take place later this year, and could result in a lengthy prison sentence.
The case has also sparked concerns about the spread of extremist ideology online and the need for social media companies to do more to prevent the dissemination of hate speech and terrorist propaganda.
Anjem Choudary’s guilty verdict is a significant blow to his extremist ideology and a reminder that promoting terrorism and extremism will not be tolerated in the UK. As the country continues to grapple with the challenges posed by extremism, this conviction serves as a powerful deterrent to others who would seek to spread hate and violence.