Radical British Preacher Anjem Choudary Convicted of Directing Terrorist Group

LONDON, UK — Anjem Choudary, a 57-year-old radical British preacher, was convicted on Tuesday by a jury at Woolwich Crown Court for directing a terrorist organization. This verdict represents a significant milestone in the ongoing battle against extremist groups operating both within the UK and internationally.

Conviction Details

Choudary was found guilty of leading al-Muhajiroun (ALM), a radical Islamic group that has been prohibited in the UK since 2010. The court's verdict confirmed not only Choudary's involvement with the banned organization but also his active role in promoting and garnering support for it. ALM, proscribed by the British government for its links to terrorism, has been identified as a considerable threat to public safety and national security.

Metropolitan Police Commander Dominic Murphy underscored the extensive global impact of ALM, stating, “ALM’s tentacles have spread across the world and have had a massive impact on public safety and security.” Murphy emphasized the direct correlation between Choudary’s radicalizing influence and the subsequent terrorist activities conducted by individuals radicalized by his teachings.

Background and Allegations

Prosecutor Tom Little depicted Choudary as possessing a “warped and twisted mindset.” Evidence presented during the trial showed that Choudary took on a leadership role within ALM following the imprisonment of Omar Bakri Muhammad, the group's founder, who was detained in Lebanon from 2014 until March 2023. Choudary’s role in perpetuating ALM’s extremist ideology during Muhammad’s incarceration was a focal point of the prosecution's case.

Despite his conviction, Choudary denied that he had promoted ALM or that the organization was still operational. He argued that ALM had ceased to exist. However, the prosecution countered that ALM had continued to operate under various names, including the Islamic Thinkers Society, an affiliate based in the United States that Choudary had addressed. According to New York Police Deputy Commissioner Rebecca Weiner, the Islamic Thinkers Society served as ALM’s U.S. branch.

Weiner referred to the conviction as historic, noting, “It is usually the foot soldiers, the individuals who are brought into the network who go on to commit the attacks who are brought to justice. And it’s rarely the leader, which is what makes this a particularly important moment.”

Co-defendant and Arrest

In addition to Choudary, Khaled Hussein, a 29-year-old resident of Edmonton, Canada, was also convicted. Hussein, described by prosecutors as a staunch supporter of ALM, was found guilty of membership in a proscribed organization. The two men were arrested a year ago upon Hussein’s arrival at Heathrow Airport, following an extensive investigation into their activities.

Sentencing and Implications

Sentencing for Choudary and Hussein is scheduled for July 30. The outcome of this case is expected to have substantial ramifications for counter-terrorism efforts and the legal handling of extremist ideologies in the UK. This conviction represents a notable success in the legal and security sectors’ ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and hold their leaders accountable.

The trial’s conclusion reinforces the commitment of law enforcement agencies and the judiciary to combat extremist threats. It highlights the importance of accountability in addressing and curbing the influence of those who promote and direct terrorist activities. As the legal proceedings wrap up, the broader implications of Choudary’s conviction will be evaluated in terms of its immediate and long-term effects on counter-terrorism strategies and public safety.