‘This man is a hate preacher’: Former UK top cop warns Australia about the release of jailed Muslim extremist who convinced young boys to support ISIS
- The release of a British hate preacher from jail could have an impact in Australia
- Anjem Choudary could be paroled this year after two-and-a-half years in jail
- He set up Sharia4Australia and was in direct contact with Australian extremists
- A former UK police chief has warned he could inspire more lone-wolf attacks
The release of a British hate preacher from jail who inspired Melbourne youths to support ISIS could have an impact in Australia, a former UK police chief has warned.
Anjem Choudary, who inspired around 100 British jihadis and set up an extremist sharia movement in Sydney, could be given parole this year two-and-a-half years into a five-year prison sentence.
Former Commissioner of London’s Metropolitan Police Sir Paul Stephenson told Australian CEOs and council leaders Choudary’s release could continue to preach extremism upon his release.
The release of British hate preacher Anjem Choudary (pictured) from jail could have an impact in Australia, a former UK police chief has warned
‘It’s a big problem with Anjem Choudary back on the streets after two-and-a-half years,’ he told The Daily Telegraph.
‘This man is a hate preacher convicted of being a hate preacher and allegedly linked to 15 terror incidents and does anyone think he has reformed?’
He said he would be open to the charge of treason being levelled against those convicted of terrorist activities.
Sir Stephenson said many Australian businesses were unprepared for terrorist attacks, which could be carried out a lone-wolf like those inspired by Choudary.
The former top cop is working with former New South Wales deputy police commissioner Nick Kaldas to improve intelligence sharing between public and private law enforcement.
They have formed consulting group Stratium Global with other former police chiefs, which will also help companies find security breaches in their corporate networks.
Former Commissioner of London’s Metropolitan Police Sir Paul Stephenson (pictured) told Australian CEOs and council leaders Choudary’s release could inspire more Australians to support Islamic State
Choudary set up the group Sharia4Australia through his ‘spiritual guidance’ prior to his sentencing in 2016, and was in direct contact with several Melbourne youths.
In 2014, he pledged allegiance to ISIS and jihadi group Al-Muhajiroun – a banned organisation linked to international terrorism.
Sir Stephenson’s warning comes after Mr Kaldas said the government should consider allowing those who have left Australia to fight for ISIS to return and be used to dissuade the country’s youth from following in their path.
In 2014, he pledged allegiance to ISIS (pictured) and jihadi group Al-Muhajiroun – a banned organisation linked to international terrorism
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