UK frees radical Muslim cleric, whines about parole

Radical Muslim cleric Anjem Choudary, said to have inspired dozens of terrorists, will appeal restrictions imposed after his release as a violation of his human rights.

By Batya Jerenberg, World Israel News

Anjem Choudary, who was sentenced to 5.5 years in prison after swearing an oath of allegiance to ISIS, is going to appeal the 25 conditions set by the British authorities upon his release.

The hate cleric, who served just half of his sentence, has been “credited” with inspiring over 100 British citizens to join the extremist Muslim terror group and carry out attacks through his Islam4UK, or al-Muhajiroun, organization.

Two of his followers were convicted of murdering Lee Rigby, an off-duty soldier whom they hacked to death in southeast London in 2013. Others have been spotted in Syria brandishing weapons.

His restrictions include a ban on preaching, accessing a computer, speaking to the media, and unsupervised contact with children. Choudary is under strict travel limitations and must hand over his mobile phone upon request. He will be electronically tagged as well.

An unnamed local told the Daily Mail, “It is sickening knowing he is so close. They should find another place for him away from the community. Everyone has heard of him. If he hates this country so much he should be deported.”

Others expressed anger over the bill taxpayers will pay for the security surrounding the 51-year-old parolee, which includes round-the-clock surveillance teams: Over £2million a year – compared to the £50,000 to keep him in jail.

Martyr status

What most worries security figures is that Choudary will be seen as a “martyr” after his imprisonment and still be able to influence disaffected youth.

“I would describe him as a hardened terrorist, somebody who has had huge influence on the Islamist extremist scene in this country over many years,” said Richard Walton, a former head of Scotland Yard’s counter-terrorism command, to the British tabloid.

“I believe we are under-estimating the potency and danger of the radicalizers who don’t carry knives, guns and overtly plot terrorist attacks but who pollute the minds of young Muslim men,” he said

David Videcette, a former counter-terrorism officer, added that Choudary was very clever and the authorities will ”need to be at the top of our game” to keep the terrorist  leader contained.

Choudary is reportedly being represented by human rights law firm Birnberg Peirce.