As Anjem Choudary is set to be freed from prison, HOPE Not Hate campaigners warn it could incense both Islamist and far-right groups across Britain.
The infamous hate-preacher Anjem Choudary is set to be released from prison tomorrow, after a five and a half years incarceration for inciting support for the terrorist Islamic State.
The man dubbed as “Britain’s most dangerous extremist” is facing strict controls after his release, including a ban from public statements, but anti-racism campaigners believe the move to be ill-advised.
HOPE not hate chief executive Nick Lowles said:
“This is a man who has inspired dozens to commit acts of violence and murder. His influence and the damage his actions have caused are unparalleled. His release is likely to breathe life back into the extremist movement he once led.
“No other British citizen has had so much influence over so many terrorists as Choudary – we’ve tracked over 120 Islamist terrorists linked to him.”
Activists are also extremely concerned about the release becoming a rallying cry for a growing number of fascist and far-right groups, which could lead to a violent street movement.
As Lowles explained:
“His release is likely to turbo-charge an already-energised far right, acting as a recruiting sergeant for the likes of Stephen Lennon (‘Tommy Robinson’) and violent groups such as the Democratic Football Lads Alliance (DFLA), which could spark unrest. It’s no exaggeration to say the far right are waiting for Choudary’s release with an equal dose of excitement and outrage.”
Far-right and Islamophobic groups such as Britain Frirst and the #FreeTommy movement have often used Islamic extremism as their call to arms. And with more politically ambiguous groups like the DFLA growing week by week, Choudary’s release could prove the spark in the proverbial powder keg.
And, inevitably perhaps, Choudary’s release has already motivated a series of conservative mainstream- and social media diatribes from pundits and public alike.
The HOPE Not Hate chief executive urged the media to “act responsibly” and “not provide either Choudary, his followers or far-right agitators with the opportunity to exploit tensions and sow further communal hatred.”
He added:
“Ambulance-chasing his movements, giving him or his followers a voice, will merely play into the hands of extremism, fear and hatred.”
Choudary will be released while completing his sentence with community work. Any direct or indirect involvement in public events, including meetings, demonstrations, and social media activity will need prior approval from Choudary’s probation officers.
And it is to expect that the MI5 and Scotland Yard will continue to follow his every move, since the organisations believe he still poses a danger to society.
Several leaders of the British-based terrorist group Al-Muhajiroun (ALM) have been released from prison in the last year, but Choudary will not be allowed contact with any of his former associates.
Joana Ramiro is a reporter for Left Foot Forward. You can follow her on Twitter for all sorts of rants here.
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