Hate preacher Anjem Choudary's return to his London home has sparked fears that he and his seven disciples may form a "Hateful Eight.”
Choudary headed the Al-Muhajiroun (ALM), a jihadist group based in the UK.
The 52-year-old was released from prison in October 2018 and spent six months in a bail hostel in north London. It was part of a five-and-a-half-year sentence after being convicted of inviting support for Daesh (Islamic State).
Following Choudary’s release, experts have expressed fear he would galvanise his terror followers in and around Ilford, East London.
“Choudary was Britain’s most famous jihadi and led a localised network of London extremists. His return to this hotspot fills those who remember the dark days of al-Muhajiroun with dread,” terror expert Dr Paul Stott was quoted as saying by The Guardian.
“He’ll be rubbing shoulders with ex-ALM members who’ve been released in recent years, spreading hate and fuelling extremism.”
Choudary is banned from meeting his terror pals, preaching, organising meetings, using the internet without permission or giving media interviews to spread his message.
But a Hope Not Hate report this year claimed ALM’s network was “starting to emerge again” with active cells across London.
Col Richard Kemp, retired Army officer and ex-Cobra chief, said: “He should not be out of prison.
“He’s known to facilitate and encourage terror and I’ve no doubt he’ll be back up to it again with the Hateful Eight and others.”
Dignitaries and officials gather on stage
Attendees fill the hall for the celebration
