Anjem Choudary jailed for life for directing terror group

Anjem Choudary, the leader of the banned terrorist group al-Muhajiroun, has been sentenced to life in prison and may never be released. He was convicted of directing the group and encouraging support for it through online meetings. Choudary, now 57, cannot apply for parole until he is over 85 years old. He was visibly shocked when handed a minimum sentence of 28 years at Woolwich Crown Court.

Choudary was found guilty after an extensive international investigation involving authorities from the US, Canada, and the UK. Mr. Justice Wall stated that al-Muhajiroun aimed to spread sharia law globally by violent means. The group, active since the late 1990s, has been connected to numerous terrorist acts. Choudary, a prominent radicaliser in the UK, took over the leadership in 2014 after the original founder was imprisoned in Lebanon.

Choudary’s latest imprisonment is for attempting to revive the group in 2021 after serving a previous sentence for encouraging support for ISIS. His online activities were monitored by undercover agents, leading to his conviction for continuing to promote jihadist ideology.