Anjem Choudary is a 'dangerous individual' who has not been 'de-radicalised,' says head of anti-extremism group

Anjem Choudary “is a dangerous individual” and has not been “de-radicalised” according to the head of an anti-extremism group.

The notorious Islamist hate preacher was today released from prison after serving half of a five-and-a-half year sentence for inciting support for Islamic State.

Speaking on BBC Radio London, Haras Rafiq, Chief Executive of counter-extremism organisation Quilliam said: “I don’t feel safe with Anjem being released today but we have the rule of law.

"What we have to do it see that he’s monitored closely, sticks to the conditions posed on him and we need to learn how we allowed him to manipulate the media and help radicalise individuals.”

Choudary, 51, was due for automatic release after reaching the halfway point of a five-and-a-half year sentence. He faces strict conditions which restrict his internet use and allow him to only attend a pre-approved mosque.

He has also been banned from travelling outside the M25.

Any breach of the restrictions will result in an immediate return to prison.

Mr Rafiq said that the media saw him as a “pantomime villain but he was the pied piper of Islamist terrorism, not only in the UK but in the west and around the world.”

He added: “We allowed him to manipulate the media, allowed him to appear on the BBC and other places and helped radicalise individuals. We should not allow him a platform for his voice.

“I don’t believe he has been de-radicalised.”

On Thursday, Theresa May said authorities are equipped to supervise Choudary after his release.

She said: "The police, the prison, the probation service, and other agencies have a range of powers available to them.

"They also have significant experience in dealing with such offenders."