Anjem Choudary joked about terrorist attacks ahead of TV interview, court told

Islamist preacher Anjem Choudary made a joke about terrorist attacks before a television interview, a court has heard.

Choudary, who was convicted of supporting the so-called Islamic State in 2016, is accused of taking a "caretaker role" in directing Al-Muhajiroun (ALM), as well as being a member of the banned organisation and encouraging support for it through online meetings.

The 57-year-old, of Ilford , east London, is said to have given lectures to the New York-based Islamic Thinkers Society, which prosecutors allege was "the same" as ALM.

During a "count to 10" soundcheck before an interview with broadcaster CNN around 2016, Choudary made reference to 9/11, the 7/7 bombings and the 2004 Madrid train bombings, Woolwich Crown Court heard.

Prosecutor Tom Little KC asked him: "Did you say 1,2,3,4,5, 9/11, 7/7/?"

Choudary said the joke was "not serious" and claimed there had been "rib-tickling" going on with the crew.

When the preacher said he could not fully remember the interview, Mr Little said: "Is it a fact you joke about terror incidents all the time, and you've lost track?

"Isn't the position that you took pleasure from the twin towers attacks?"

Choudary replied: "No."

"You've continued to joke about it ever since," Mr Little added.

Choudary previously told the trial that a joke he made about 9/11 during a lecture on the anniversary of the terror attacks was "inappropriate".

Pressed by the prosecutor on whether he had continued to support ALM after it was disbanded, Choudary said: "It hasn't existed since 2004, the only one who's trying to flog that dead parrot is yourself."

"We'll return to that parrot later," Mr Little replied.

Choudary, who has previously described how a "Kevin Keegan effect" made people link him to the terror group, was interrupted by the judge as he spoke about the Labour MP Tony Benn , who died in 2014.

Mr Justice Wall said: "Mr Choudary, we don't need to go into Tony Benn.

"Not everything has to be illustrated by an analogy."

Also on trial is Khaled Hussein, 29, from Canada, who prosecutors say was a "follower and dedicated supporter" of Choudary.

He has pleaded not guilty to membership of ALM, while Choudary denies directing a terrorist organisation, being a member of a proscribed organisation and addressing meetings to encourage support for a proscribed organisation.

Choudary told the trial he had not directed ALM, and had only taken care of the "affairs" of a former leader after he left the country.

He was arrested in east London on July 17 of last year while Hussein was detained at Heathrow having arrived on a flight the same day.

The trial continues.