Morning:
3°c
Precious is a new-style weepie but one that is much more bracing than depressing
BBC accused of having a 'culture of secrecy' after it refused to reveal how much it pays its top presenters and stars
More...
The unholy past of the Muslim cleric demanding the Pope's execution
Last updated at 11:07am on 19.09.06
Choudary: Refuses to discuss his dissolute youth
At 39, Anjem Choudary should be a symbol of success for his peers. Born into the working-class family of a market trader in Welling on the outskirts of London, he has risen - thanks to the opportunities offered by the British education system - to become a qualified lawyer.
But it is unlikely his old school will be inviting him to be guest speaker on prize-giving day. Their former pupil is not famous for his elegant oratory in court.
Instead, the articulate Mr Choudary preaches hatred and murder in the streets of Britain to the next generation of young, impressionable Muslims.
See also...
• Police to probe anti-Pope protest
This week he stood outside Westminster Cathedral in central London to call for the execution of the Pope as punishment for 'insulting Islam'. He fulminated against Pope Benedict XVl, adding: "Whoever insults the message of Mohammed is going to be subject to capital punishment."
It's a long way from his days as a medical student at Southampton University, where, friends say, he drank, indulged in casual sex, smoked cannabis and even took LSD. He called himself 'Andy' and was famed for his ability to drink a pint of cider in a few seconds.
One former acquaintance said: "At parties, like the rest of us, he was rarely without a joint. The morning after one party, I can remember him getting all the roaches (butts) from the spliffs we had smoked the night before out of the ashtrays, cutting them up and making a new one out of the leftovers.
"He would say he was a Muslim and was proud of his Pakistani heritage, but he did-n't seem to attend any of the mosques in Southampton, and I only knew of him having white girlfriends. He certainly shared a bed with them."
On one occasion, 'Andy' and a friend took LSD together. The friend said: "We took far too much and were hallucinating for 20 hours."
The only sign of religious fervour came in flashes of anger over Salman Rushdie's The Satanic Verses. A friend from that time said: "You didn't want to get him started on that. He would go on and on about the fatwa and he supported calls for the book to be banned. But he would have a glass of cider in his hand when he was carrying on about it."
Choudary failed his first-year exams, switched from medicine to commercial law and did his final year as a law student at Guildford, from 1990 to 1991, before moving to London.
There his legal career stalled briefly and he filled in his time by teaching English as a foreign language in one of the many colleges off Oxford Street.
But eventually, he found a position with a firm of solicitors and began completing his qualifications to become a lawyer. His personal life blossomed too.
In 1996, aged 29, he married Rubana Akhtar and started a family. The couple, who settled in East London, have a daughter aged eight, and sons aged six and one.
Then he met the cleric Sheik Omar Bakri Mohammed at a mosque in Woolwich. Bakri, who is now banned from returning to Britain from Lebanon, had formed Al Muhajiroun, committed to the creation of a worldwide Islamic state, and Choudary quickly became a leading light in the group and its successor organisation, Al Ghurabaa.
He is no longer a practising solicitor and has left his wife and children to concentrate on his extreme brand of Islam. It was Choudary who organised the Danish Embassy protests over the cartoons of the prophet Mohammed earlier this year, at which demonstrators dressed as suicide bombers and banners proclaimed: 'Behead Those Who Insult Islam'.
He lauded the September 11 hijackers as 'magnificent martyrs' and praised Asif Hanif, the British suicide bomber who killed three in Tel Aviv in 2003.
After the July 7 atrocities in London, he vowed he would not tell the police if he knew a terror attack was being planned and urged Muslims to defend themselves against perceived attacks by 'whatever means they have at their disposal'.
His shocking pronouncements could be dismissed by some as the rantings of a mind clouded by religious fervour but Choudary has an audience and, at a time of increasing disaffection among young British Muslims, his activities are carefully monitored by Special Branch.
A security source said: "He is not seen as premier league because he is so conspicuous. He is seen as an irritant but with a potential to inspire impressionable youngsters to go that one stage further."
Despite his hatred of all things British - he says: "If British means adopting British values, then I don't think we can adopt British values. I'm a Muslim living in Britain. I have a British passport, but that's a travel document to me" - he and his family live on state benefits.
Rubana is said by friends to claim £1,700 a month in housing benefit and income support while Choudary has also claimed £202 a month in income support.
Yesterday, Choudary declined to talk about his past dissolute life, dismissing it as 'irrelevant'. He said: "I was born a Muslim and I have done my best to be a good Muslim all my life."
And the drugs and alcohol? "That's not really part of what's happening in the world today. Anyway, it is all fabricated. It is complete nonsense.
"My personal family situation and background is irrelevant to the situation in which we live. I can talk about politics and Islam but I don't want to talk about my personal life."
He was too busy to answer any further questions. He now belongs to a sect he refuses to name and continues to deny any direct involvement in terrorism.
In a recent interview, he said: "Do I know how to make liquid explosives? No, I'm not military-trained. I can make an omelette."
A flippant remark from one whose extremism is so laced with threats of violence.
Reader views (30)
I live in the same borough as this ghastly individual and it is our council who pays him £25,000 a year to peddle his inflammatory trash. I have decided to stand for UKIP in the General Election and the local elections to implement the UKIP policy that people have to do community work to be entitled to benefits. Then maybe we can cut off his funding to do his evil work, the funding that he thinks "Allah has arranged."
- Paul Wiffen, Ilford South
Enough of all this.
Britian needs to toughen up and needs to take serious action, if this is not done, believe me they will take over the whole world. Maybe this is hard to pictuarise right now, but if Britian carries on like this, it will happen.
- Tia, London, UK
Why on earth does this country put up with people like this. He is living off the taxes of the very people he despises.The U.K needs to get tough with these militants before anarchy sets in.
- Greg, sidcup kent
Chowdary and his type are hypocritical, scum of the lowest order. how would he justify the fact that muslim extreamists in Afganistan and Irag blow up Mosques full of muslims, blow up muslim funeral processions and muslim weddings. His lot should be wiped off the face of the earth.
- Chris M, Bromley
It makes my blood boil to listen to this individal, stating that he accepts benefits because the money belong to Allah. 'The money is worked for; taxes are paid by, honest good working people. If this individual is so unhappy with the thoughts and beliefs of the British people, why does he stay in this country. What a hypocrite this man is. He obviously has no respect; no wonder he is so hated by the British people. This man is just a social scounger who is using his religion as a smoke screen
- Mr Angry, Coventry Warwickshire
If the Goverment change the law to bring charges against islamic fanatics who preach hate and incitement on the streets of the UK, why not, if charged and found guilty, they are given the choice of going to prison, or leaving the country permanently, to any muslim country of their choice. This would firstly prevent them brainwashing young vunerable men into being co-erced into a twisted form of the islamic faith, save the UK a fortune in keeping them behind bars, and rid this country of troublemaking, parasitic wasters which is what this type of muslim are. They are a danger to all who live in the UK and do not in my opinion represent the majority of decent muslims living here.
- Sydney, canvey essex
Thank God the government has banned his organisation and his threatened march in Wooten Baset. These radicals like Anjem Choudhary take total advantage of a weak govrnment in the UK which looks after the human rights of criminals than its own citizens. If they find the UK undemocratic, they should just pack up and leave. It is as simple as that. But they know the weakness of the government that will not deport Abu Qatada as he will be executed in Jordan. So what? Is it the duty of the government to keep these criminals safe at the cost of the innocent taxpayer. No wonder the UK will always be a breeding ground for fundamentals and this will increase
- Paddy Singh, Salisbury, Wiltshire
Why does Choudary not do something useful in his life, instead of encouraging young men to perhaps sacrifice themselves in the name of the prophet. He has no moral fibre, lives off the backs of hard working people, muslims as well as christians jews and virtually any other religion that resides in the UK. He could fight himself if he really believed in his holy war. He hasn't the guts. He's spineless and useless, and I really would like to see him kicked out of the UK, but obviously, as an ex solicitor, probably knows the Human Rights Act inside out. I would say to all the young men in contact with him this. You can be much better than this idiot, you could help to bring about a much more decent world, where all religions and races live side by side. We want our soldiers home, but please remember this, an awful lot of people have been killed in Iraq and Afganistan by muslim terrorists, and the problems in these two countries was started by the twin towers being attacked and destroyed, and over three thousand individuals being murdered.
- Sydney, canvey essex
I guess this guy has been made more popular by media....I had never heard about him before......Why doesnt the media highligh some good scholars of Islam rather than highlighting people with half baked knowledge. Islamic scholars with qualified eductaion can give better views and the media should look into their personal lives which can show the beauty of Islam rather than people with no Islamic education.
- Danish, Toronto, Canada
I guess this guy has been made more popular by media....I had never heard about him before......Why doesnt the media highligh some good scholars of Islam rather than highlighting people with half baked knowledge. Islamic scholars with qualified eductaion can give better views and the media should look into their personal lives which can show the beauty of Islam rather than people with no Islamic education.
- Danish, Toronto, Canada
Well said Rod from Manchester
- Jessica, Manchester
Choudary's views should get him instantly deported, I am a 46 year old white brit, lived here all my life and I cant get a penny of the social after being made redundant and this guy gets everything.
ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTED WITH ALL THIS!
- Bri, Derbyshire
As a British Muslim, I am British first and Muslim second.
Anjem Choudary does not represent what Islam is about and certainly does not represent any Muslims that I know. This is a small minority of idiotic fundamentalists who have no clue what Islam preaches but rather have their own interpretation.
If any Muslims are not happy living in this beautiful country that provides them with the democracy and society that allows them to flourish then why not leave and go live in Saudi Arabia or Pakistan or Iran where I am sure they will be welcomed.
- Amir Nikaein, London, England
I don’t know why the media gives people like Mr Choudory air time. Idiot like him needs to be locked up for good. Because of this people Islam has such a bad name and all Muslim are getting blame for it. This people don’t know what is Islam and to be a Muslim, they will quote a verse from a Quran that justifies what they say but they won’t tell you in what context that verse was written.
I would urge everyone Muslim and non Muslim to get Quran in English from a reputable Islamic shop and read it before believing this idiots like Mr Choudory. And if you want to know more about Islam just go to any Mosque and speck to the people in charge they will be more the happy to help.
And Muslims you should learn about your religion and what it teaches so that you don’t get misguided by people like Mr Choudory who uses misguided young people to forward their agenda whatever that might be
- Mohammed, Coventry, uk
Iam confused!!! Police government or who ever is trying to stop this guy what ever his name his from protesting is crazy remember Iraq war there were over 1/2 million people protesting againstt Iraq war but the government went in on lies killed innocent Woman and children and our soldiers should they not be charged they want to charge this man because of what he says
government never listened to us they want us to listen goverment creates people like this all the people involved in pre-planning war on Iraq from the bottom to the top should be hanged for war crimes
- Ian, London
I left a message on the website of Islam4UK yesterday (03 01 10) regarding their propsed march on Wootton Bassett. My comments were very critical of their propsed march.
Ive just tried to access their website now and its shut down?? Or rather their web page wont open......I hope its crashed and burned!
Choudry and his cronies are scum and parasites. He should be careful how he conducts himself and what he says, if he wants to remain in one piece!
David
- David Trent, Bordon Hampshire England
Im a british born asian. I follow my religion with caution as im not fully initiated in to the faith. I have worked hard like the rest of my family to make ends meet and now enjoy a good lifestyle. This lifestyle is due to britain accepting our parents back in the late 1950's. We respect the laws of this country and live by them, without the oppourtunities i can only wonder what we may have been. If people want an islamic country, go to where one is. I have been many times to dubai where they operate strict laws on what one can wear and how to behave, these laws are fundamentally acceptted and abided by all who visit and live there. If there was a need of a non muslim person, it would most probably overlooked. What we need now is to come together and get rid off this type off riff raf who think its ok to say what they do. Its a time for unity across religions and cultures who have no time for idiots like him, to push them out. Our strength is in our unity, if a few hundred terriosts can cause chaos across the world, imagine how much chaos billions can cause them. Root them out and have them enclosed on an islamic island where they are made to be self sufficent, grow own vegetables, cycle for electricity etc. They say Islam is fasting growing religion, every day hundreds convert..... ok they may convert, how many stay truthful to it? Unite together and get rid of scum like choudry and his cronnies.
- Anon, birmingham
I think we should show all muslims that we are tolerant and beleive in free speech. We should greet the march with silence and flowers and christian good will.
We know that not all muslims are terrorists. We also know that muslim terrorists would never be able to face a real war with real men or soldiers on a face to face basis they can only fight in an underhand way. They kill each other as well as us. Look at Irac - muslims are still killing each other there because they are so tribal and feudal - once we move out it will end up just as before ..except they have less resources now due to the war. We can show them how to be honerable and give love. I did not want our troops to be in Irac it was totally wrong. We need to help them rebuild it somehow. We need to not react to this man and his followers as to do so would be a valuable waste of our energy. We are after all supposed to be more civilised ....but looking at what we have allowed to happen maybe we need to question ourselves more?
- Mo, Ketting. United Kingdom
It is typical of many fundamentalist Muslims. Once they hit rock bottom with drinking, sex, and in this case drugs...suddenly they feel this guilt imprinted in them from childhood through constant brainwashing. So one day they wake up and they think by going to the other extreme and only by doing so, Allah will forgive them for all their sins. Now they appoint themselves are 'Allah's' messenger on earth! I knew this guy who took drugs, drank every day, and invited me for orgies but I would do none of it!..Now he met his wife (none Muslim Canadian), suddenly he wanted her convert, to pray, fast, and even cover up!! He thinks by doing so, Allah will forgive him for all his sins. Now he tries to preach me on what is right and wrong!! They think Allah cannot see through them....they're fools....
- Fadi, London
If I publicly called for the execution of this scumbag I'd be banged up quicker than you can say 'political correctness' yet this piece of filth continues espousing his bigoted tripe whilst claiming every bit of state aid he and his workshy extended family can get their grubby hands on.
- Squiz, Islington
He is a silly little child really. We should take him off benefits mind you, ration his sweeties.
- Dep, London
"Islam never gives us permission to kill anyone" (Quai Khalid, India). I'll be very brief. Rubbish, rubbish, rubbish. The Koran is full of exhortations to kill anyone who doesn't quite accept its 'holy wisdom'. Try reading it.
- Jayell, London UK
Would i be right in saying "Is This Great Britain we live In" what has happened to our Children,Not Allowed Nativity Plays anymore at Christmas!! ...I wonder what would happen if we all went to their country and tried to Dictate!!Mmmmm.
- Marlene Athoe, reading berks
He - and his likes - are morally corrupt. I doubt that he knows his own religion well enough. He is a hypocrite and a parasite. I don't know why Britain is tolerating him.
- Mary, India
Bush, Blair and John Howard are definitely war criminals. However, the Muslim extremists cannot win, because they are just as corrupt - both spiritually and morally. Therefore, Muslims like Choudary will never gain the submission of the man or woman in the street. They have no qualities of leadership or inspiration. Choudary and his peers are simply pathetic souls and they know it, trying to gain credibility by presenting themselves as devout. They are loud, scared little boys who have soiled their boxer shorts in fear. Terror is their only means for impressing people - because they have no spiritual or moral strength at all. In the long run these shivering little boys who stink of their own urine, they will do Islam much harm.
- Rod, Manchester
Well this country is tolerant to war criminals like Bush and Blair who are responsible for 600,000 innocent lives in Iraq. So its no suprise they being tolerant to a Man who hasnt harmed anyone. Plus those claism about Anjem by the western media most of them are fabricated.
- Slater, London UK
I wonder if he does kiddie parties or bar mitzvahs? Quite the clown. Honestly, I never thought we lived to see the day when someone like Mr. Choudary would make Hitler look warm, personable and cuddly.
- Joseph Cimino, USA
Mr. Choudary...
Islam never gives us permission to kill anyone...just remember the story of Omar ..he came to Islam by listening to the holy Quran...if mohammed (Pbuh) had did the same thing u wish to do...Islam would not have existed..
Islam is meant for guys who loves peace...your say about mumbai attack is really shocking...killing innocent people will never help the growth of the perfect and best religion like ISLAM...May ALLAH(the one and only one God) shower good thoughts into your head / brain / mind...
- Qais Khalid, Kerala;aIndia
I'm amazed at how tolerant this country is towards such people. Why do tax payers have to support such people with such generous benefits? Why don't the police arrest him for inciting murder? Unbelievable!
- Peter, Collier's Wood, London
What a joke. By demanding the execution of the pope he is only underlining the 'truth' in the quote which the pope used. Violence is not the true way of Islam - he is a shame to his religion. Just another example of the ignorance shown by ALL zealots, irrespective of race, religion & creed. Seems they are all linked by this truism - religion falls by the wayside even though they use religion as excuse to do "evil and inhumane" things (sound familiar?)
- Anon, London
