Anjem Choudary, a notorious radical Islamist preacher, has been sentenced to life imprisonment by Woolwich Crown Court. Choudary, 57, was convicted of directing a terrorist group and will serve a minimum of 28 years in prison, with the possibility of parole only after he turns 85. This follows his previous five-and-a-half-year sentence in 2016 for terrorism-related offenses, from which he was released in 2018.
Choudary’s Radical Activities and Connections:
Choudary, leader of the proscribed terrorist organization Al-Muhajiroun, has been a significant figure in Islamist extremism since the 1990s. Known for his provocative statements, including praising 9/11 attackers and planning to convert Buckingham Palace into a mosque, he was central to Al-Muhajiroun’s operations. His group has been linked to numerous terrorist plots and inspired members of ISIS. Choudary’s associates include infamous terrorists like Michael Adebolajo and Khuram Butt.
Conviction and Future Outlook:
Choudary’s recent conviction comes after he continued to spread extremist ideologies online, which led to his activities being monitored and infiltrated by international security services. Judge Mark Wall described Choudary as a dangerous individual whose skills in organization and oration make him a continued threat. The court’s decision reflects concerns about his inability to reform and the potential for further incitement to violence.
