This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/sep/04/preacher-anjem-choudary-to-leave-prison-after-being-granted-bail
The article has changed 5 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Preacher Anjem Choudary to leave prison after being granted bail | Preacher Anjem Choudary to leave prison after being granted bail |
(35 minutes later) | |
The radical preacher Anjem Choudary is to be released from custody at a high-security London prison after being granted bail over allegations he encouraged support for Islamic State. | The radical preacher Anjem Choudary is to be released from custody at a high-security London prison after being granted bail over allegations he encouraged support for Islamic State. |
Choudary has been held at Belmarsh prison since he was charged with inciting support for the terrorist group on 6 August. | Choudary has been held at Belmarsh prison since he was charged with inciting support for the terrorist group on 6 August. |
He appeared via video link at the Old Bailey in central London on Friday alongside co-defendant Mohammed Rahman. | He appeared via video link at the Old Bailey in central London on Friday alongside co-defendant Mohammed Rahman. |
The judge, Mr Justice Sweeney, ruled that the pair should be released on bail subject to a number of conditions. | The judge, Mr Justice Sweeney, ruled that the pair should be released on bail subject to a number of conditions. |
In his ruling, he said: “I am not persuaded in either case that there are substantial grounds for believing that either defendant will fail to surrender to custody. | |
“While I accept the points made by the prosecution, they are both men who are settled in this country. They have families to support and with the conditions that are suggested I think it is unlikely that they will attempt to abscond. | |
“I have been much more concerned to whether there are substantial grounds for believing that they will commit further offences. | |
“I am concerned about anything being disseminated publicly by either of them or on their behalf which would encourage others to go to live in Syria as part of their religious duty. | |
“I have not found this an easy decision but I do consider that the conditions of bail proposed will substantially reduce the risk of dissemination of those views. | |
“Accordingly, I am prepared to grant bail, but it is important that compliance with the conditions are carefully monitored and if there is a breach, the defendant concerned is to be arrested and brought before me or another judge as soon as possible.” | |
Choudary, 48, wore a white gown and glasses and took notes during the 45-minute hearing. | Choudary, 48, wore a white gown and glasses and took notes during the 45-minute hearing. |
He and Rahman are due to go on trial before a high court judge on 11 January. It is alleged that between 29 June last year and 6 March, Choudary invited support for Isis contrary to section 12 of the Terrorism Act 2000. | He and Rahman are due to go on trial before a high court judge on 11 January. It is alleged that between 29 June last year and 6 March, Choudary invited support for Isis contrary to section 12 of the Terrorism Act 2000. |