Anjem Choudary: Notoriety ‘badge of honour’ for radical preacher

Choudary was convicted of inviting support for the Islamic State group in 2016.

He was released from prison in October 2018.

The restrictions imposed on him which prevented him preaching ended in July 2021.

Woolwich Crown Court heard that during another of his teachings, Choudary made reference to “hurricane Osama”.

“What is that a reference to? It can only be one thing,” the prosecutor said.

“What is it that Osama bin Laden did to America?

“Here is a use of language, it’s clever, it serves a purpose.

“He is talking about an attack on America. What does that tell you about the mindset of Anjem Choudary and the mindset of Al Muhajiroun?”

During the trial, jurors were played conversations between Choudary and his wife from March 2023 recorded on a covert listening device that had been placed in his home.

The jury was told that the pair could be heard discussing Choudary’s connections to others in America.

The prosecutor said that Choudary’s wife appeared to be concerned, noting that they “are Al Muhajiroun”.

In the recording, Mr Choudary replied: “But I don’t say anything dodgy. I am very careful,” jurors heard.

“He is trying to be careful in what he says,” Mr Little said.

“If no connection between ALM (Al Muhajiroun) and ITS, why would he not say that?”

The court also heard that before the two defendants were arrested, Choudary provided guidance to Mr Hussein before he was due to travel to London.

In one message, Choudary is alleged to have said: “You are also not too far from Woolwich – the famous Lee Rigby issue.”

Mr Little said jurors may think that was a “very odd” way to describe a “terrorist murder”.

“A solider killed by two individuals.. murdered.. there was no issue … it was a murder. Was there an issue in Anjem Choudray’s mind ….?”

The trial continues.