Anjem Choudary, a radical preacher from east London, has been brought to court on accusations of directing and being a member of a banned group. The 56-year-old Islamist is also charged

with addressing meetings to encourage support for the organization. Additionally, Khaled Hussein, a 28-year-old man from Canada, was charged with being a member of the same group.

During their appearance at Westminster Magistrates' Court, neither Choudary nor Hussein entered any pleas. Choudary was apprehended in London by counter-terrorism detectives on July 17, the same day Mr. Hussein was detained at Heathrow Airport upon arrival from Canada.

The prosecution claims that Choudary conducted weekly online lectures between June 2022 and his arrest, discussing the establishment of an Islamic State in Britain and methods of radicalization.

During the 23-minute hearing, Choudary remained silent except for confirming his name, date of birth, and address in Ilford.

Choudary faces charges of membership of a proscribed organization, addressing Al Muhajiroun meetings to encourage support for the organization, and directing a terrorist organization, all of which contravene section 56 of the Terrorism Act 2000.

Mr. Hussein is charged with being a member of Al Muhajiroun and is accused of assisting in the establishment of its Canadian branch while allegedly working for Choudary.

Al Muhajiroun, an offshoot of which was banned in 2006 for glorifying terrorism, had its ban extended in 2010 to include several other names.

Both Choudary and Hussein were initially detained under section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000, and after being charged, they were remanded in custody by Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring. The next court appearance for both men is scheduled for August 4 at the Old Bailey.

The Crown Prosecution Service's Counter Terrorism Division is handling the case, and it has emphasized that both defendants have the right to a fair trial. Photo by https://www.flickr.com/photos/snapperjack/, Wikimedia commons.