British preacher Anjem Choudary, 57, has been sentenced to life in prison for his involvement in directing a terrorist group. The sentencing comes after Choudary was found guilty of being a member of the banned organization al-Muhajiroun, also known as ALM, and for actively promoting the group's extremist ideologies.
Choudary was described by Justice Mark Wall as being at the forefront of running a terrorist organization that actively recruited and radicalized young men. ALM was outlawed by the British government in 2010 due to its involvement in terrorist activities.
Prosecutors highlighted Choudary's role in taking over the leadership of ALM after its founder, Omar Bakri Muhammad, was imprisoned in Lebanon. Choudary denied promoting ALM during his trial, claiming that the group no longer existed.
Choudary's sentence includes a minimum of 28 years in prison, ensuring that he serves a substantial term for his crimes. The prosecution revealed that ALM operated under various aliases, including the New York-based Islamic Thinkers Society, which Choudary had connections with.
The Islamic Thinkers Society was identified as the U.S. branch of ALM, according to New York Police Deputy Commissioner Rebecca Weiner, who emphasized the significance of the case. Choudary's follower, Khaled Hussein, 29, from Edmonton, Canada, was also convicted of being a dedicated supporter of the proscribed organization.
Choudary and Hussein were apprehended a year ago following Hussein's arrival at Heathrow Airport, marking a significant milestone in the efforts to combat terrorism and extremist activities.
