Metropolitan (Met) Police have arrested a radical Islamist preacher for his membership in a banned organization. He has also been charged with encouraging people to join a banned organization and directing the activities of a terrorist group.
Charged under three sections
Anjem Choudary, 56, who holds British and Pakistani passports was produced by the Met in a London court on Monday (local time).
Police also have arrested a Canadian national, Khalid Hussain, from Heathrow Airport on similar charges.
The Met Police issued a statement on Monday saying, “On Monday, 17 July, Met counter-terrorism detectives investigating alleged membership of a proscribed organisation arrested a 56-year-old man in east London and a 28-year-old Canadian national at Heathrow Airport, after he arrived on a flight.”
It added, “They were held under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000 and detectives were granted warrants of further detention allowing them to detain the men until Monday, 24 July.”
UK-born Choudary was arrested in 2016 for asking Muslims to support ISIS. He was let off from the high security Belmarsh prison in 2018.
The Guardian says Choudary was charged under sections 11, 12(3) and 56 of the Terrorism Act 2000. However, the BBC says he was arrested under Section 41 of the same Act.
“Choudary, of Ilford, east London, remained silent in court, other than to confirm his name, date of birth and address,” said the BBC in its report.
The news service also said that both men were produced separately at the Westminster Magistrates’ Court. No pleas were entered.
‘Fair trial’
Nick Price from the counter-terrorism department said, “The charges relate to the proscribed organisation 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.”
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