In a landmark ruling, British Islamist preacher Anjem Choudary has been sentenced to life imprisonment for his role in directing the terrorist organization Al-Muhajiroun (ALM). The 57-year-old was convicted last week of taking a “caretaker role” in leading ALM while its founder, Omar Bakri Muhammad, was incarcerated.

Anjem Choudary was previously jailed in 2016 for encouraging support for the Islamic State group.

An international police investigation involving the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command (CTC), MI5, assisted by the New York Police Department (NYPD) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).

A History of Radicalization

Choudary, a notorious figure in the UK, has long been associated with radical Islamist ideologies. His influence has been linked to the radicalization of numerous individuals who have gone on to commit acts of terrorism. ALM, the group he directed, was banned in the UK in 2010 for its involvement in promoting and preparing for terrorist activities.

The Conviction

The conviction came after an extensive investigation by the Metropolitan Police, the New York Police Department (NYPD), and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Choudary was found guilty of encouraging support for ALM through online lectures to the Islamic Thinkers Society (ITS), which prosecutors argued was another name for ALM.

Sentencing and Impact

Sentencing Choudary at Woolwich Crown Court, Mr. Justice Mark Wall described him as being “front and centre in running a terrorist organization” and noted that his actions had a “radicalizing impact” on young men, encouraging them into radical activities. Choudary will serve a minimum of 28 years before being eligible for parole, meaning he will not be released before the age of 85.

A Significant Moment

Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Metropolitan Police’s counter-terrorism command, hailed the conviction as a significant moment in the fight against terrorism. He emphasized that Choudary’s radicalizing influence had led individuals to commit terrorist acts or travel for terrorist purposes⁴

Conclusion

The life sentence handed down to Anjem Choudary marks a critical step in countering terrorism and preventing the spread of extremist ideologies. It underscores the importance of international cooperation in tackling global terrorism and highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to bring those who promote violence to justice.

After giving the sentences, the Judge commended officers in the UK, US and Canada for their work on this investigation.

Commander Dominic Murphy, Head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, said: “These convictions come as a result of some truly remarkable work – not only here in the UK by Counter Terrorism police and our colleagues in MI5, but also from the incredibly brave work of undercover officers both in the US and Canada.

“The information and evidence we were able to gather, all while working closely with the Crown Prosecution Service, meant we were able to build a very strong case to prove Choudary was directing the ALM terrorist group and encouraging others to join them.

“I have no doubt that these convictions and the resulting sentences have left communities here in London, and also right across the UK and beyond, much safer.”

Assistant Commissioner Lisa Moreland, Regional Commander for the Northwest Region at the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, said: “This investigation is truly an example of how information, intelligence sharing and collaboration between countries is vital in stopping the spread of online extremism and radicalization.

“It serves as a reminder that extremism can take hold anywhere and that we must all remain vigilant.”

New York City Police Department Deputy Commissioner of Intelligence and Counterterrorism Rebecca Ulam Weiner said: “Anjem Choudary spent decades radicalizing individuals around the world and has now been brought to justice thanks to relentless collaboration across multiple agencies and countries.

“In today’s borderless world, public safety demands the level of teamwork that defined this historic investigation. The NYPD is deeply grateful to our partners at Counter Terrorism Policing, MI5, and RCMP for their tireless efforts that brought this case to its successful conclusion.”