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Radical UK Cleric Jailed for Supporting IS


FILE - Anjem Choudary, a British Muslim social and political activist and spokesman for Islamist group, Islam4UK, speaks following prayers at the Central London Mosque in Regent's Park, London, April 3, 2015.
FILE - Anjem Choudary, a British Muslim social and political activist and spokesman for Islamist group, Islam4UK, speaks following prayers at the Central London Mosque in Regent's Park, London, April 3, 2015.

British radical cleric Anjem Choudary was sentenced Tuesday to five years in prison for supporting Islamic State.

The 49-year-old has been an outspoken leader of radical Islam for two decades, regularly posting videos on YouTube and protesting outside the U.S. embassy on the anniversary of the September 11 attacks, but staying within the bounds of the law.

Only when Choudary's name appeared on an oath declaring the legitimacy of the "proclaimed Islamic Caliphate State" in 2014 was Britain able to pursue legal action against him.

Choudary was found guilty of inviting support for Islamic State in July. According to the Independent, details of the case could not be reported for three weeks after the July 28th verdict for legal reasons.

Choudary maintains the oath was made without his knowledge.

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