Radical British Islamist preacher gets sentenced to 5 years in jail
Wed Sep 07, 2016 06:10:pm World
6.4K By Buchi Obichie
A UK court on Tuesday sentenced one of Britain's best-known radical
Islamic preachers, Anjem Choudary, to 5 years in prison for
encouraging support for Daesh, also known as Islamic State (IS).
The 49-year-old firebrand preacher gained attention for headline-grabbing statements that provoked outrage but stayed within the bounds of the law, such as protesting outside the U.S. Embassy on the anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks and burning memorial poppies on Remembrance Day.
Choudary has been seen by authorities as a key voice radicalizing young Muslims. Several people who attended his rallies and events have been convicted of violent attacks, including Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale, the killers of British soldier Lee Rigby.
For years, Anjem Choudary has led radical Islamic groups in Britain under names including al-Muhajiroun, Islam4UK and Muslims Against Crusades.
Though previously managing to stay within the boundaries of the law, the London-born preacher ran into trouble in 2014 after his name appeared on an oath declaring the legitimacy of the "proclaimed Islamic Caliphate State."
Choudary said the oath had been made without his knowledge.
Choudary was sentenced alongside his sidekick, 33-year-old Mohammed Mizanur Rahman.
His supporters shouted "Allahu akbar," the Arabic phrase for "God is great," as Choudary was sentenced at Central Criminal Court in London.
It is expected that Choudary will not serve the full 5 years jail term.
The 49-year-old firebrand preacher gained attention for headline-grabbing statements that provoked outrage but stayed within the bounds of the law, such as protesting outside the U.S. Embassy on the anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks and burning memorial poppies on Remembrance Day.
Choudary has been seen by authorities as a key voice radicalizing young Muslims. Several people who attended his rallies and events have been convicted of violent attacks, including Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale, the killers of British soldier Lee Rigby.
For years, Anjem Choudary has led radical Islamic groups in Britain under names including al-Muhajiroun, Islam4UK and Muslims Against Crusades.
Though previously managing to stay within the boundaries of the law, the London-born preacher ran into trouble in 2014 after his name appeared on an oath declaring the legitimacy of the "proclaimed Islamic Caliphate State."
Choudary said the oath had been made without his knowledge.
Choudary was sentenced alongside his sidekick, 33-year-old Mohammed Mizanur Rahman.
His supporters shouted "Allahu akbar," the Arabic phrase for "God is great," as Choudary was sentenced at Central Criminal Court in London.
It is expected that Choudary will not serve the full 5 years jail term.
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