Anjem Choudary Sentenced to Life in Prison for Directing Terror Group

Anjem Choudary, leader of the banned extremist group al-Muhajiroun, has been sentenced to life in prison by Woolwich Crown Court.

The 57-year-old preacher was found guilty of directing the organization and encouraging support through online meetings.

Choudary’s sentence includes a minimum term of 28 years, meaning he cannot seek parole until he is over 85 years old. His conviction comes after a complex international investigation involving the US, Canada, and the UK.

The court heard that Choudary’s group aimed to spread sharia law globally through violent means.

Despite the group’s ban, Choudary continued to operate and recruit new followers under a false name in North America, as revealed by undercover investigations.

Mr. Justice Wall described al-Muhajiroun as a radical organization with a history of violent acts. Choudary, who led the group after its founder was jailed in Lebanon, had been previously imprisoned for supporting Islamic State fighters in Syria.

Following his release, he resumed his activities, using online lectures to promote jihadist ideology.

Choudary’s co-accused, Khaled Hussein, from Canada, was sentenced to five years in prison, with an additional year under supervision upon release.

During the trial, Choudary’s defense argued that al-Muhajiroun was not comparable to groups like al-Qaeda or Islamic State and claimed the organization was ineffective. However, the court found Choudary’s actions and teachings to be a serious threat.