Anjem Choudary under trial in London

Accusations of terrorism and leadership of the organization Al-Muhajiroun

A well-known radical preacher, Anjem Choudary (57 years old), is on trial in London. The accusation alleges that he led Al-Muhajiroun (ALM), an extremist group banned in the UK for terrorism reasons. Alongside him, Khaled Hussein (29 years old), a Canadian citizen, is also being tried for being part of the outlawed organization.

Anjem Choudary and Khaled Hussein under trial in London

Anjem Choudary, 57 years old, a well-known radical preacher, is on trial in London accused of leading the extremist group Al-Muhajiroun (ALM), banned in the UK by anti-terrorism laws. Sitting next to him in the dock is Khaled Hussein, 29 years old, a Canadian from Edmonton, charged with being a member of the outlawed organization.

The prosecution's charges: direction of ALM and spreading of extremist ideology

The prosecution, represented by Tom Little KC, alleges that Choudary, after being released from prison in 2018, continued to lead ALM 'in the shadows,' waiting for the right moment to resume the group's activities. Despite restrictions imposed after his release, which prevented him from preaching, Choudary allegedly found a way to spread his extremist ideology through the 'The Islamic Thinkers Society' (ITS), an organization based in New York.

The connection between ALM and The Islamic Thinkers Society (ITS)

According to the accusation, ITS would be nothing more than a branch of ALM, as demonstrated by a 2016 video in which Choudary himself defines ITS as "our branch in America". Confirming this thesis would be recordings made by two undercover US agents infiltrated in ITS, who attended numerous lectures given by Choudary.

Khaled Hussein is also said to have attended some of these online lessons, providing support to Choudary. Evidence presented by the prosecution includes conversations on Facebook and Reddit between Hussein and undercover agents, in which the 29-year-old Canadian refers to ITS as 'Al-Muhajiroun North America'.

The evidence against Khaled Hussein: online conversations and support for Choudary

Choudary denied leading the terrorist organization and holding meetings to encourage support for an extremist organization. Prosecutor Little added, "These two defendants were, we say, members of and belonged to ALM. Both have a radical mindset. Both share that distorted and twisted mindset."

Omar Bakri Mohammed, founder of ALM, was imprisoned in Lebanon between 2014 and March 2023 and Choudary stepped in and 'filled the void,' Mr. Little said. Jurors were told that Choudary was convicted for supporting Isis in 2016. He was released from prison on October 19, 2018, and was on probation until July 18, 2021. Little said that the conviction made Choudary "more cautious" in his speech, but his 'desire' to promote ALM's goals led him to 'lower his guard'.

The ITS had been infiltrated by undercover police officers (UCOs) in the United States, who attended classes and online courses taught by Choudary. The prosecutor told the jurors: 'The UCOs also met with ITS members on numerous occasions. They understood what was happening and are able to tell them about the structure and approach of ITS. Based on that evidence, we say you will see a surprising resemblance to ALM.' On February 28, 2022, an undercover agent spoke via the Signal messaging app with Hussein, described by prosecutors as 'close' to Choudary.

The prosecution highlighted how both defendants share a “distorted and twisted mentality” and how Hussein “respected if not outright idolized” Choudary, following his every command.

The trial continues and both defendants deny the charges.

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