LONDON, July 30 — Islamist preacher Anjem Choudary has been convicted of directing the banned terrorist group al-Muhajiroun (ALM) and promoting the group’s cause through online platforms.
Following a trial at Woolwich Crown Court in South London, Choudary was found guilty of holding a “caretaker role” in directing ALM. Prosecutors presented evidence that Choudary led the terrorist organization from 2014 onwards and actively encouraged support by addressing online meetings of the New York-based Islamic Thinkers Society (ITS).
Choudary, 57, from Ilford, East London, utilized his platform to influence supporters, delivering lectures to ITS that prosecutors argued were akin to his previous role with ALM. His activities included high-profile media appearances and controversial protests, which contributed to his notoriety as an extremist figure in the UK.
Despite a prior conviction in 2016 for supporting Islamic State, which resulted in a half-serving of a six-year sentence, Choudary resumed his extremist activities after his release. He hosted approximately 40 online lectures for ITS between June 2022 and April 2023. Unbeknownst to him, ITS was monitored by undercover law enforcement from the US, who attended these sessions on the encrypted Element messaging platform.
ALM, which was proscribed as a terrorist organization in the UK in 2010, continued to operate under various aliases, according to court evidence. The conviction came after extensive investigations by the Metropolitan Police, New York Police Department (NYPD), and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Cmdr Dominic Murphy of the Metropolitan Police’s Counter-Terrorism Command stated, “Choudary’s radicalizing impact has led individuals to conduct terrorist attacks or travel for terrorist purposes.” NYPD Deputy Commissioner Rebecca Weiner described the case as “historic,” highlighting the rarity of prosecuting leaders of such networks.
Omar Bakri Muhammad, the founder of ALM, was imprisoned in Lebanon from 2014 until March 2023, during which time Choudary is said to have taken over his role. Khaled Hussein, 29, described as a “dedicated supporter” of Choudary, was also convicted of ALM membership.
Choudary and Hussein will be sentenced later today, July 30.
