Clerical error

Next month the Islamist preacher Anjem Choudary will be released from prison, having served just half of his five-and-a-half-year sentence. He was jailed for his role in encouraging Muslims to join Islamic State. At the time of his sentencing in 2016, the judge described the hate preacher as ‘calculating’ and ‘dangerous’.

The Justice Secretary, Rory Stewart, echoed that verdict earlier this month, calling Choudary ‘deeply pernicious’ and a ‘destabilising influence’. His views remain the same; his status as a martyr — at least in the eyes of his followers — is assured; and his hatred of Britain is more ferocious than before. He will emerge as a greater menace than when he was locked up.

Choudary also has a new determination never to slip up again. This has nothing to do with remorse. For years, Choudary — a trained lawyer — toed a delicate line. He indoctrinated his followers while ensuring that he never did anything illegal. Over two decades, his influence grew and so did his online following. But there was nothing the police or the security services could do about him. They watched his every word in a futile attempt to try and catch him out.

In 2014, he finally slipped up. A video emerged of Choudary proclaiming Islamic State to be the true Muslim caliphate. He had thought he was protected by referring to the group as a political concept rather than a terror organisation. A jury disagreed.

During his time in jail, Choudary has been kept in isolation to prevent him from speaking to other inmates — with good reason. The list of those who have fallen under Choudary’s spell is extensive. Name a British terrorist and you can be sure Choudary’s influence is not far away: Khuram Butt, one of the London Bridge terrorists who murdered eight people last year, was among his disciples.