LONDON (Diya TV) – Anjem Choudary, a notorious Islamist preacher, has been found guilty of directing the terrorist group al-Muhajiroun (ALM) and promoting its activities online. This conviction follows a comprehensive undercover investigation spanning the UK, US, and Canada.
For over 25 years, Choudary has been a prominent figure in spreading extremist ideologies in the UK. Initially a student of ALM founder Omar Bakri Muhammad, Choudary rose to the role of the group’s second-in-command. Despite the British government banning ALM in 2010 due to its links to terrorist attacks, Choudary continued to lead and recruit for the organization.
When Omar Bakri Muhammad was imprisoned in Lebanon in 2014, Choudary took over the reins of ALM. During the trial, it was revealed that Choudary continued his activities even after his release from prison in 2018, delivering online lectures to supporters in New York under the guise of the Islamic Thinkers Society (ITS).
The investigation involved officers from the US and Canada posing as potential recruits and attending these online lectures. British authorities also bugged Choudary’s home, gathering crucial evidence. Prosecutors highlighted that Choudary’s activities extended to managing online meetings and coordinating “Twitter storms” advocating for the release of Islamist prisoners.
Choudary’s associate, Canadian Khaled Hussein, 29, was also convicted for his role in assisting Choudary and being a member of ALM. Hussein was arrested at Heathrow Airport while traveling to meet Choudary, whom he idolized.
During the trial, evidence showed Choudary’s extensive efforts to evade authorities and continue his recruitment and radicalization activities. He communicated with followers, advising them on various activities while avoiding direct calls for violence.
Dominic Murphy, head of Counter Terrorism Command at the Metropolitan Police, emphasized the challenges in stopping Choudary’s influence, which extends globally. “Even after his release, we continued our investigations,” Murphy said. “Choudary’s conviction is a significant step in disrupting ALM’s activities.”
Rebecca Weiner, Deputy Commissioner of the New York Police Department, underscored the importance of this conviction. “This case highlights the borderless nature of the threat,” she stated. “Choudary’s influence reached far beyond the UK, affecting public safety internationally.”