Islamist preacher Anjem Choudary has been convicted of directing the terror group Al-Muhajiroun and inciting support for it through online platforms.
At 57 years old, Choudary now faces a life sentence after a comprehensive investigation by MI5, Scotland Yard, the NYPD, and Canadian police.
Choudary, previously sentenced to five years for endorsing ISIS, had his internet access restricted until July 2021.
Shortly after, he resumed his radical activities by disseminating press releases through WhatsApp and Telegram from his Ilford, East London home.
Choudary didn’t waste any time after his license conditions lapsed.
In just one year, he conducted over 40 lectures, some with a select few but others reaching audiences of up to 150 people from places as distant as Brazil and Afghanistan.
Authorities in the UK, the US, and Canada were alarmed by his activities, suspecting he was recruiting a new wave of followers.
NYPD Deputy Commissioner Rebecca Weiner condemned Choudary as a “shamelessly prolific radicaliser,” emphasizing that despite the changing names and years, the threat he posed remained constant.
In June 2022, Choudary began engaging with the Islamic Thinkers’ Society (ITS) in New York, which had been infiltrated by undercover officers.
During one speech, he proudly acknowledged being dubbed “the number one radicaliser in Britain,” a title he wore as a badge of honor.
Meanwhile, Khalid Hussein, an ITS member in Canada, launched an online magazine and openly collaborated with Choudary, referring to themselves as “the remnants of al-Muhajiroun.”
British prosecutors needed to show that Choudary continued leading Al-Muhajiroun, especially after its founder, Omar Bakri Muhammad, fled to Lebanon post the 7/7 bombings in 2005.
Choudary, who co-founded the group in 1996, had been linked to various terrorist incidents, including those involving Michael Adebolajo and Khuram Butt.
During his trial, Choudary admitted to performing Adebolajo’s wedding and being present when he converted to Islam.
Undercover Evidence and Arrests
Two American undercover officers, known as OP488 and OP377, provided crucial testimony.
They joined a video conference call where Choudary discussed the possibility of reviving Al-Muhajiroun under its old name.
Choudary boasted about the group’s unprosecuted status and his role as its leader.
In March 2023, covert recordings captured Choudary discussing his activities with ITS leaders and the release of Omar Bakri Muhammad.
The Arrests and Conviction
Choudary was finally arrested on July 17, 2023, at his home, and Khalid Hussein was detained at Heathrow Airport upon his arrival from Canada.
Choudary was found guilty of directing a terrorist organization and encouraging support for it online.
His defense claimed Al-Muhajiroun had been disbanded, but the court was unimpressed by this argument.
Tom Little KC, the prosecutor, stated that Choudary had not changed his radical mindset, and his lectures clearly incited violence rather than legitimate religious expression.
Choudary’s Transnational Impact
Commander Dominic Murphy of Scotland Yard noted the significance of this case, emphasizing the global reach of Choudary’s influence.
Choudary’s activities and the group’s many aliases demonstrated the pervasive nature of the threat.
Al-Muhajiroun, under various names, was involved in numerous attacks and attempted to establish an Islamic caliphate in the UK.
Despite being banned, the group’s influence continued, impacting public safety and security on a global scale.
The Rising Threat of Young Radicals
The case also highlighted a troubling trend: the increasing involvement of young people in terrorism.
The online space, particularly platforms like Telegram and WhatsApp, has become a tool for radicalizing younger generations.
Deputy Commissioner Rebecca Weiner and Commander Dominic Murphy expressed deep concern over this development, noting the alarming rate at which young individuals are being drawn into extremist activities.
This case underscores the enduring threat posed by radical figures like Choudary and the importance of a coordinated international response to counterterrorism.