Omar Bakri Mohammed

A Lebanese military court sentenced Bakri to three years' imprisonment for inciting civil war and sectarian discord, in proceedings separate from other security-related cases involving him.

State of the evidence

Established by a court

Attribution

Directly implicated

After British national Abdul Waheed Majid, linked to al-Nusra, carried out a suicide attack against a prison in Aleppo, Bakri publicly described him as a 'dear brother' and praised his commitment. The praise illustrated his continuing ideological influence from Lebanon.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated

In November 2010, a Lebanese military court sentenced Bakri in absentia to life imprisonment in a case involving, among other things, membership of an armed group and planned attacks. He was arrested following the decision. Subsequent developments, including witnesses retracting their statements and his release on bail, led to a further procedural phase.

State of the evidence

Established by a court

Attribution

Directly implicated

Following the London bombings of 7 July 2005, Bakri stated that he would not alert police if he learned that Muslims were planning another attack. His comments about the end of the 'covenant of security' sparked major political and media controversy.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated

After Bakri left for Lebanon, Home Secretary Charles Clarke excluded him from the United Kingdom on the grounds that his presence was not conducive to the public good. His right to return was therefore removed despite his previous residence in the country.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Political responsibility

After his involvement with Hizb ut-Tahrir, Omar Bakri Mohammed led al-Muhajiroun in the United Kingdom and became one of its best-known public figures. The movement was associated with radical Islamist rhetoric and numerous controversies over extremism, recruitment and the glorification of jihad.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Institutional responsibility

In his public statements in 2004, Bakri was quoted as warning that the West could face a '9/11 day after day' if its policies towards Muslims did not change. The phrase fuelled British debate over the boundaries between radical preaching, intimidation and incitement.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated

Bakri publicly glorified the 19 perpetrators of the 11 September 2001 attacks, a position that became emblematic of his radical rhetoric and was frequently recalled during subsequent proceedings involving him.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated