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Anjem Choudary among nine arrested in London raids on suspicion of ‘encouraging terrorism’ Anjem Choudary among nine arrested in London raids on suspicion of ‘encouraging terrorism’
(about 3 hours later)
Nine men have been arrested by counter terror police in London today as part of an investigation into Islamist-related terrorism, Scotland Yard have confirmed.Nine men have been arrested by counter terror police in London today as part of an investigation into Islamist-related terrorism, Scotland Yard have confirmed.
Radical preacher Anjem Choudary is understood to be one of nine men arrested this morning by members of the Metropolitan Police Service's Counter Terrorism Command on suspicion of being a member of a banned organisation and encouraging terrorism this morning.Radical preacher Anjem Choudary is understood to be one of nine men arrested this morning by members of the Metropolitan Police Service's Counter Terrorism Command on suspicion of being a member of a banned organisation and encouraging terrorism this morning.
Al-Muhajiroun is understood to be the banned organisation in question, sources told the Press Association.Al-Muhajiroun is understood to be the banned organisation in question, sources told the Press Association.
The group became a proscribed Islamist organisation in 2010 and Choudary is the former UK head. The group became a proscribed Islamist organisation in 2010.
Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale, who were both jailed earlier this year for killing Fusilier Lee Rigby in Woolwich, were both seen at demonstrations organised by al-Muhajiroun.Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale, who were both jailed earlier this year for killing Fusilier Lee Rigby in Woolwich, were both seen at demonstrations organised by al-Muhajiroun.
Choudary said he knew Adebolajo, who was pictured beside him at a rally in 2007, and the second founder of the group, Omar Bakri Mohammed, claimed that he had spoken to the future killer at meetings.Choudary said he knew Adebolajo, who was pictured beside him at a rally in 2007, and the second founder of the group, Omar Bakri Mohammed, claimed that he had spoken to the future killer at meetings.
In December, the BBC was criticised for giving a prime-time platform to the extremist cleric who repeatedly side-stepped challenges to denounce the killing of the off-duty soldier in an interview on Radio 4's Today programme.
Earlier this week, Choudary reportedly said he held no sympathy for Alan Henning, a volunteer aid worker who was captured by Isis militants in Syria.Earlier this week, Choudary reportedly said he held no sympathy for Alan Henning, a volunteer aid worker who was captured by Isis militants in Syria.
A police spokesperson would not confirm or deny his detention.A police spokesperson would not confirm or deny his detention.
All nine are aged between 22 and 47 and are being held at stations in central London.All nine are aged between 22 and 47 and are being held at stations in central London.
Police said a number of residential, business or community premises are being searched as part of the investigation in London, along with an address in Stoke on Trent.Police said a number of residential, business or community premises are being searched as part of the investigation in London, along with an address in Stoke on Trent.
The force said the arrests and searches are part of an ongoing investigation into Islamist related terrorism and are not in response to any immediate public safety risk.The force said the arrests and searches are part of an ongoing investigation into Islamist related terrorism and are not in response to any immediate public safety risk.
Last month, Britain raised its international threat level to the second-highest level of "severe", meaning an attack is considered highly likely, while Prime Minister David Cameron has said the Islamic State militant group in Syria and Iraq poses the country's greatest ever security risk.Last month, Britain raised its international threat level to the second-highest level of "severe", meaning an attack is considered highly likely, while Prime Minister David Cameron has said the Islamic State militant group in Syria and Iraq poses the country's greatest ever security risk.