Anjem Choudary, a prominent British Islamist preacher, has long been a controversial figure due to his extremist views and alleged connections to terrorist activities. Recently, Choudary has been charged with three terrorism-related offences, including directing a terrorist organisation, being a member of a proscribed organisation, and addressing meetings to encourage support for the organisation. These charges relate to his involvement with Al-Muhajiroun, a group banned in the UK since 2010, which is believed to have continued its activities under different names, such as the Islamic Thinkers Society (ITS).
Choudary, aged 57, was arrested on 17 July 2023 in east London. His co-accused, Khaled Hussein, who lives in Canada, was detained at Heathrow Airport on the same day. Both men have been held in custody since their arrest.
Al-Muhajiroun has a long history of promoting extremist views and has been linked to various terrorist activities. Despite being banned in the UK in 2010, it is believed to have continued operating covertly. The Islamic Thinkers Society, which prosecutors argue is essentially Al-Muhajiroun under a different name, has reportedly been a platform for Choudary to disseminate his extremist ideologies through lectures and online content.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has emphasized the seriousness of these charges. Nick Price, from the CPS Counter Terrorism Division, had stated that the charges against Choudary and Hussein are based on their involvement with the proscribed organisation and their efforts to promote its extremist ideology. He underscored the importance of a fair trial and cautioned against any reporting or commentary that could prejudice the proceedings.
Choudary’s trial commenced on 20 May 2024 at Kingston Crown Court. . The trial scrutinized his role in directing and supporting the activities of Al-Muhajiroun, as well as his influence in perpetuating its ideology despite the ban.
Choudary has been a controversial figure for many years, known for his radical views and public statements that have often bordered on incitement. His previous convictions include a 2016 sentence for inviting support for the Islamic State, for which he served part of his sentence before being released under strict conditions. His latest charges indicate that authorities are continuing to monitor and act against those who seek to promote extremist ideologies and support terrorist activities.