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Anjem ChoudaryPakistani-British radical preacher, social and political activist
Date of Birth: 18.01.1967
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- University Years and Personal Life
- Legal Career and Advocacy
- Terrorist Conviction and Release
Early Life and Education
Anjem Choudary was born on January 18, 1967, in Welling, Bexley, South East London, to Pakistani Muslim parents who had migrated from Eastern Punjab to Pakistan during the Partition of India in 1947. He attended Malgrave Primary School in Woolwich.
University Years and Personal Life
In 1996, Choudary married Rubana Akhtar (or Aqhtar), with whom he had four children. He enrolled as a medical student at Barts Medical School. However, he reportedly abused alcohol and drugs during his university years. In 2014, when asked about claims that he had been a "party animal," Choudary commented, "I accept I wasn't into training all the time... I've made many mistakes in my life."
He switched to law at the University of Southampton and spent his final year as a law student (1990-1991) in Guildford. He then moved to London to teach English. He found work at a legal firm and qualified as a solicitor.
Legal Career and Advocacy
In the early 1990s, Choudary worked as an organizer for preacher/scholar Omar Bakri Muhammad, who advocated for the reestablishment of a Sunni caliphate. Choudary became the chairman of the Muslim Law Society but was struck off the Roll of Solicitors (the official register of practicing solicitors) in 2002.
Terrorist Conviction and Release
On September 6, 2016, Choudary was convicted of terrorism charges and sentenced to five years and six months in prison. He was automatically released in October 2018 with restrictions on public speaking or appearing in the media. On July 18, 2021, Choudary's ban on public speaking was lifted, and he reportedly resumed his online campaigns as of October 2021.
