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Two convicted on terrorism charge of inviting support for a proscribed organisation (18 August 2016)

Date: 18/08/2016
Duncan Lewis, Crime Solicitors, Two convicted on terrorism charge of inviting support for a proscribed organisation

The Old Bailey has convicted two supporters of Daesh leader Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi, on a charge of inviting support for a proscribed terrorist organisation.

Anjem Choudary and Mohammed Rahman were convicted after they were shown to have praised the declaration of a new Caliphate by Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi in June 2014.

The two men swore an oath of allegiance to the Caliphate – and called on others to support it, including by travelling to Syria.

By the time the men pledged their allegiance, Daesh – which at the time was more widely known as Islamic State – had been proscribed as a terrorist organisation by the then Home Secretary, Theresa May.

The court heard that both men published a series of videos on social media attempting to legitimise the Caliphate and inviting support for it.

The evidence showed that Choudary had been encouraged to get this message out to his followers by Siddhartha Dhar, who later left the UK to fight with Daesh.

Anjem Choudary and Mohammed Rahman were found guilty of one count each of inviting support for a proscribed organisation, contrary to Section 12(1) of the Terrorism Act 2000. They will be sentenced on 6 September.

After the hearing, CPS Head of Counter Terrorism, Sue Hemming, said:

“These two men knowingly sought to legitimise a terrorist organisation – and encouraged others to support it.

“They used the power of social media to attempt to influence those who are susceptible to these types of messages, which might include the young or vulnerable.

“Both men were fully aware that Daesh is a proscribed terrorist group, the brutal activities they are carrying out – and that what they were doing was illegal.

“Terrorism can have no place in our society – and those that encourage others to join such organisations will be prosecuted.”

Duncan Lewis Terrorism Solicitors

Duncan Lewis terrorism solicitors can advise at any stage of a charge involving terrorism, including belonging to a proscribed organisation, encouraging or carrying out acts of terrorism, preparing for acts of terrorism, fundraising for terrorism, or hate crimes.

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide and in most major cities – including more than 20 offices across London and the southeast.

Duncan Lewis is a leading firm of Legal Aid criminal defence solicitors – and a Duncan Lewis solicitor can usually reach a police station for interview under caution within an hour.

Duncan Lewis can also advise on extradition proceedings, immigration offences, The Human Rights Act – and appeals against conviction and sentencing.

For expert legal advice on all charges relating to terrorism, call Duncan Lewis terrorism solicitors on 0333 772 0409.

For 24/7 help at a police station, call the Duncan Lewis Solicitors 24-Hour Emergency Helpline on 0333 772 0607.


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