Radical preacher Anjem Choudary, the alleged leader of the proscribed terrorist organisation, Al-Muhajiroun, has appeared in court in London amid allegations he colluded with a Canadian national to spread “an extreme form of Islam” online.
Mr. Choudary, 56, is accused of directing a terrorist organisation, being a member of a proscribed organisation and addressing meetings to encourage support for a proscribed organisation.
On Monday he appeared before Westminster Magistrates Court and spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address.
He did not enter a plea and was remanded in custody to appear before a judge at the Old Bailey next month.
A Canadian national, Khaled Hussein, 28, from Edmonton, Alberta, appeared separately at the same court charged with being a member of a proscribed organisation.
Pair Allegedly in ‘Close Contact’ for 2 Years
The court heard Mr. Hussein was in “close contact” with Mr. Choudary online to provide “a platform” for the group’s views for around two years.The court was told the allegations revolve around “an extreme form of Islam” and Mr. Choudary is alleged to have provided lectures to an organisation called Islamic Thinkers Society, which the prosecution claimed was Al-Muhajiroun “for all intents and purposes.”
Al-Muhajiroun became a proscribed organisation in the UK since 2010, although it has never claimed responsibility for any acts of terrorism.
Chief magistrate Paul Goldspring adjourned the case until August 4 when the pair will appear at the Old Bailey.
Nick Price, from the Crown Prosecution Service Counter Terrorism Division, said: “Criminal proceedings against Mr. Choudary and Mr. Hussein are now active and they each have the right to a fair trial.”
