July 31, 2024
2 mins read

Choudary sentenced to 28 years in prison by court

Choudary’s lawyer, Paul Hynes, argued that the group was “little more than a husk of an organisation” and that almost all attacks linked to it had already occurred…reports Asian Lite News

British-Pakistani preacher Anjem Choudary has been sentenced to life in prison for directing a “terrorist organisation.” Choudary, 57, was convicted last week of directing al-Muhajiroun (ALM), which was banned as a ‘terrorist organisation’ more than a decade ago.

Judge Mark Wall announced a life sentence for the British-Pakistani preacher, with a minimum term of 28 years before he would be eligible for parole. Wall told Choudary at London’s Woolwich Crown Court on Tuesday that organisations such as ALM “normalise violence in support of an ideological cause” through online meetings.

“Their existence gives individuals who are members of them the courage to commit acts which otherwise they might not do. They drive wedges between people who otherwise could and would live together in peaceful coexistence,” he said. According to prosecutor Tom Little, Choudary became “the caretaker emir” of ALM after its leader, Omar Bakri Mohammed, was jailed in Lebanon in 2014.

Choudary’s lawyer, Paul Hynes, argued that the group was “little more than a husk of an organisation” and that almost all attacks linked to it had already occurred.

The police in Britain, the United States and Canada gathered evidence after a joint investigation, that Choudary was running and directing ALM via online lectures with followers based in New York. Prosecutors said the group has operated under many names, including the New York-based Islamic Thinkers Society, which Choudary has spoken to. New York Deputy Police Commissioner Rebecca Weiner, termed the case ‘historic’ and said the Islamic Thinkers Society was ALM’s US branch.

Choudary was convicted with one of his followers, Khaled Hussein. According to the prosecutors, he was also a dedicated supporter of the group. Hussein, 29, of Edmonton, Canada, was convicted of membership in a proscribed organisation and sentenced to five years in prison. The two were arrested a year ago after Hussein landed at Heathrow Airport. Earlier in 2016, Choudary was imprisoned for encouraging support for ISIL (ISIS). He was released in 2018 after serving half of his five-and-a-half-year sentence.

The group ALM, which emerged in the late 1990s, has been linked to several attacks both at home and abroad, according to Al Jazeera. (ANI)

ALSO READ-Muslim preacher Choudary in custody on terror charges

Previous Story

UK govt delays decision on banning some arms sales to Israel

Next Story

‘Rings of Power’ Season 2 Promises More Darkness

Latest from -Top News

‘Kill and Dump’ Haunts Balochistan Again

The latest killings have reignited accusations of extrajudicial executions and the use of counterterrorism laws to cover up custodial deaths in Balochistan….reports Asian Lite News Concerns have deepened across Balochistan following the

‘ASEAN Expands, But Keeps Its Soul’

Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan urged ASEAN to uphold its unity and strategic resolve amid intensifying geopolitical tensions and mounting external pressures…reports Asian Lite News Consensus and inclusivity will remain the cornerstones

Bangladesh bends to beat Trump’s blow

Dhaka seeks compromise as Trump’s 35% tariff looms large over key exports; Washington urges worker protections, factory relocation to US…reports Asian Lite News Bangladesh has opened the second round of critical trade

China seethes as US lands F-35s in PH

As US F-35 jets land in the Philippines for the first time, Manila cements its frontline role in Washington’s power play against rising China….reports Asian Lite News The Philippines is rapidly cementing
Go toTop

Don't Miss

British envoy makes special visit to Golden Temple

The envoy said she got to learn about Sewa (selfless

UK to fine £5,000 for holidaying abroad

According to the UK government’s “roadmap” towards unlocking , the