Anjem Choudary, who was once one of Britain’s most prominent Muslim activists, has been charged with three terrorism offences.
Choudary, 56, of east London, was arrested last week by the Metropolitan Police and was charged yesterday with membership of a proscribed organisation, addressing meetings to encourage support for a proscribed organisation, and directing a terrorist organisation.
Canadian national Khaled Hussein, 28, was also charged yesterday with membership of a proscribed organisation. Hussein was arrested at Heathrow Airport last Monday after he arrived on a flight.
The pair were held under section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000 and detectives were granted warrants of further detention allowing them to detain the men until today. Both men will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court today.
For decades Choudary was a high-profile activist who was known for his anti-West views and advocacy for the establishment of Shari’ah law in the UK and other Western countries.
He was the co-founder and former leader of the now-banned group Al-Muhajiroun, which was linked to several men who would later be convicted of terrorism.
In September 2016, Choudary was convicted of inviting support for a proscribed terrorist organisation, namely ISIS. His conviction came after he pledged allegiance to ISIS and openly expressed support for the group.
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Choudary’s speeches and actions were considered to be in violation of the UK’s Terrorism Act 2000, which prohibits the encouragement or promotion of terrorism.
Choudary was sentenced to five and a half years in prison but was released in October 2018. He was then subject to strict monitoring and conditions upon his release.
