Hate preacher Anjem Choudary ‘will be forced to go on government deradicalisation programme or face being recalled to jail’
- Choudary, 51, is among extremists to undergo first compulsory course of its kind
- Was released from prison this month halfway through five and half year sentence
- The desistance and disengagement programme reportedly part of his probation
- Provides psychological support, theological ‘advice’ and addresses ‘grievances’
Hate preacher Anjem Choudary will have to complete a deradicalisation programme or could be sent back to jail, reports claim.
The 51-year-old is said to be among extremists and Islamic State fighters to undergo Britain’s first compulsory course to combat terrorism.
Choudary, described as one of the country’s most dangerous Islamist preachers, was released from prison on October 19 halfway through a five and a half year sentence.
Hate preacher Anjem Choudary talks on his phone in north London following his release from prison this month
Now he has reportedly been ordered to attend the desistance and disengagement programme (DDP) as part of his probation.
He will receive mentoring and theological ‘advice’ as part of the course, which is an escalation of the previously voluntary Prevent violent extremism scheme.
Addressing ‘personal grievances’ exacerbated by extremist narratives and providing psychological support are among the aims of the programme.
If Choudary does not attend, he could be called back to Belmarsh Prison to finish his sentence for inviting support for ISIS in lectures uploaded to YouTube.
By June, 230 extremists and ISIS fighters who returned to the UK will have taken part in the course.
An estimated 100 people have already completed the programme as part of last year’s pilot scheme.
Choudary, described as one of the country’s most dangerous Islamist preachers, has reportedly been ordered to attend the deradicalisation programme as part of his probation
Choudary is living under strict conditions since he was released to a probation hostel in north London this month.
The convicted hate preacher is tagged and subject to a night-time curfew, as well as banned from attending certain mosques and socialising with particular people.
He is also being monitored by police, probation and security services.