Shropshire Star

Anjem Choudary would not ‘make it on open mic night at comedy club’, court hears

A court heard Choudary made a joke about terrorist attacks before an interview and another about 9/11 at a lecture on the anniversary of the attacks.

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Anjem Choudary

Islamist preacher Anjem Choudary would not “make it on open mic night at the comedy club” because his “choice of joke is pretty unpleasant”, a court has heard.

Choudary, who was convicted of supporting the so-called Islamic State in 2016, is accused of taking a “caretaker role” in directing Al-Muhajiroun (ALM), as well as being a member of the banned organisation and encouraging support for it through online meetings.

During the trial, Woolwich Crown Court heard that Choudary, 57, had made a joke about terrorist attacks before a television interview and another about 9/11 during a lecture on the anniversary of the terror attacks.

Anjem Choudary appearing by video link from HMP Full Sutton (Elizabeth Cook/PA)
Anjem Choudary appearing by video link from HMP Full Sutton (Elizabeth Cook/PA)

In his closing speech on Monday, defence barrister Paul Hynes KC said: “He is taken to task for his sense of humour and we can understand why.

“He’s not going to make it on open mic night at the comedy club because his choice of joke is pretty unpleasant.

“People often make jokes that they are called upon later to reflect upon.”

During an online meeting on September 11 2022, Choudary laughed while telling listeners that Omar Bakri Muhammad, who founded ALM, once advised charging journalists £9.11 to enter a place of worship where a press conference on the anniversary of 9/11 was held.