Anjem Choudary: radical preacher set to go on trial next year for 'encouraging support for Islamic State'

Charges: Anjem Choudary
PA
Rachel Blundy28 August 2015
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Radical preacher Anjem Choudary is set to go on trial next year accused of encouraging support for Islamic State through posts on social media.

The activist, 48, invited support for the banned terror group between June 29, 2014, and March 6 this year, it is claimed.

He appeared before Mr Justice Saunders at the Old Bailey via video link from high security Belmarsh prison today, along with Mohammed Rahman, of Sidney Street in Whitechapel, east London, who faces similar charges.

Dressed in a white robe, bespectacled Choudary spoke only to confirm his name and was represented in court by lawyer Blinne Ghralaigh.

His co-accused wore a striped T-shirt and khaki trousers and was also represented.

The public gallery was packed for the hearing to set a timetable for the case and hear applications for bail.

Mr Justice Saunders set a plea and case management hearing for December 11 and a provisional trial date of January 11 at a London court to be decided.

The trial is scheduled to be heard by a high court judge and will take three to four weeks.

Choudary, of Hampton Road, Ilford, represented himself at his first hearing before Westminster magistrates earlier this month when he protested his innocence in a 20-minute speech.

But today, the married father of five school-age children sat quietly with his hands in his lap as lawyers made arguments for and against the defendants to be granted bail.

Mr Justice Saunders asked for more information to be provided and adjourned his ruling on the matter until next Friday.

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