Extremist Cleric Sentenced to Life in Prison for Leading Terror Cell

Radical preacher Anjem Choudary has been sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 28 years by a UK court for running a banned terrorist organization.

Choudary, who has already spent time in custody, will serve over 26 years in total. The Woolwich Crown Court judge stated that Choudary will not be released before the age of 85.

Recently, Choudary was found guilty of taking on a key role in directing the terrorist group Al-Muhajiroun (ALM) since 2014, following the incarceration of its leader in Lebanon.

Law enforcement authorities noted that Choudary had a profound impact in radicalizing individuals involved in terrorist activities.

Additionally, Choudary was convicted of promoting support for ALM through online lectures to the Islamic Thinkers Society (ITS), believed to be an alias for ALM.

Judge Mark Wall emphasized that Choudary played a central role in managing a terrorist organization and encouraged young men to engage in extremist activities.

Choudary’s defense argued that he did not actively recruit individuals, and by the time he assumed leadership of ALM, it was a significantly weakened organization.

The 57-year-old from Ilford, East London, denied being a member of ALM, promoting support for the group, or directing a terrorist organization.

Choudary was apprehended on July 17, 2023, at his residence in East London and subsequently charged with terrorist offenses.

Choudary’s co-defendant, Khaled Hussein, was apprehended on the same day. Hussein, a 28-year-old from Edmonton, Alberta, was detained at Heathrow Airport upon arrival in the UK.

International Effort

Authorities in London collaborated with counterparts from the New York Police Department (NYPD) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to apprehend Choudary.

Undercover operatives in the US infiltrated the Islamic Thinkers Society, attending online lectures in 2022 and 2023.

Prosecutors detailed that undercover agents recorded numerous classes and lectures they attended, with these recordings shared with UK counter-terrorism officials by US law enforcement.

NYPD Deputy Commissioner Rebecca Weiner described Choudary as a persistent, influential radicalizer.

Scotland Yard stated that Choudary had a significant influence on individuals who subsequently carried out terrorist attacks or traveled for extremist purposes.

Commander Dominic Murphy of Scotland Yard’s counter-terrorism command highlighted the extensive global impact of ALM, underlining public safety and security concerns.

‘Medallion’

After a conviction related to ISIS allegations, Choudary was released from jail on October 19, 2018, and was on license until July 18, 2021.

Prosecution evidence disclosed that Choudary became cautious about whom he openly conversed with following his conviction.

“Nevertheless, his dedication to advancing ALM’s objectives sometimes led him to let down his guard,” said prosecutor Tom Little.

During online lectures, Choudary reportedly expressed pride in being labeled an extremist.

Originally known as al-Ghurabaa, or The Saved Sect, ALM was banned by then-Home Secretary John Reid in 2006. The group later rebranded as ALM and faced subsequent bans, including under the name Muslims Against Crusades.

Chris Summers and Victoria Friedman contributed to this report.