UK Islamist Preacher Anjem Choudary Faces Terrorism Charges, Remanded in Custody.
London, July 24, 2023 – British Islamist preacher Anjem Choudary, aged 56, has been remanded in custody by a UK magistrate after being charged with three terrorism offenses by London’s Metropolitan Police.
Mr. Choudary faces charges of belonging to a proscribed organization, addressing meetings to encourage support for a proscribed organization, and directing a terrorist organization, according to the police statement.
Alongside him, a 28-year-old Canadian, Khaled Hussein, has also been ordered to be held in custody after being charged with membership of a proscribed organization.
Both individuals appeared separately at Westminster Magistrates Court in London, where the charges were linked to “an extreme form of Islam,” as stated by prosecutor Nick Price.
The proscribed organization involved in the charges is al-Muhajiroun, also known as the Islamic Thinkers Society.
“Criminal proceedings against Mr. Choudary and Mr. Hussein are now active, and they each have the right to a fair trial,” stated the prosecutor.
Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring ordered the pair to be remanded in custody until their next appearance at the central criminal courthouse, known as the Old Bailey, on August 4.
During the 30-minute court hearing, Anjem Choudary, from east London, wearing a black jacket and glasses, spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth, and address. He was not asked to enter any pleas to the three charges.
Khaled Hussein, hailing from Edmonton in the Canadian province of Alberta, spoke in a Canadian accent and only confirmed his name, date of birth, and address, without entering a plea.
The court heard that Hussein had allegedly been in “close contact” with Choudary online, providing a platform for the group’s views for around two years.
The arrests were carried out by counter-terror officers investigating the alleged membership of the proscribed organization. Anjem Choudary was apprehended in east London, while Khaled Hussein was held at Heathrow Airport upon his arrival on a flight.
The case has garnered significant attention due to the high-profile nature of Anjem Choudary’s role as a preacher and the seriousness of the terrorism charges brought against him and Khaled Hussein.