FLASH: Anjem Choudary Charged with ‘Inviting Support’ for Islamic State

UK hate preacher Anjem Choudary has been charged with inviting support for terror group Islamic State.

He has been charged alongside Mohammed Mizanur Rahman. Both men have been charged in relation their activities between 29 June 2014 and 6 March this year, the Crown Prosecution Service has said.

Sue Hemming, head of Special Crime and Counter-Terrorism at the CPS, said:

“Following an investigation by the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command, we have today authorised charges against Anjem Choudary and Mohammed Mizanur Rahman.

“We have concluded that there is sufficient evidence and it is in the public interest to prosecute Anjem Choudary and Mohammed Rahman for inviting support for ISIL (IS), a proscribed terrorist organisation, between 29 June 2014 and 6 March this year.

“Each man is charged with one offence contrary to section 12 of the Terrorism Act 2000.

“It is alleged that Anjem Choudary and Mohammed Rahman invited support for ISIS in individual lectures which were subsequently published online.

“The decision to prosecute was taken in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors.

“Anjem Choudary and Mohammed Rahman will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court later today, 5 August 2015.

“Criminal proceedings have now commenced and both men have a right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”

Islamic State is a “proscribed terror organisation” under British law, meaning it is illegal to support it.