Abu Hamza: The trial of a violent jihadist

A New York court has found radical Muslim cleric Abu Hamza al-Masri guilty of supporting terrorism.

12:23 20 May 2014

Abu Hamza al-Masri, the radical Muslic cleric, who became infamous for his fiery sermons at a north London Mosque, has been found guilty of supporting terrorism by a New York court. The 55-year-old was convicted of 11 terror charges by a jury composed of eight men and four women. He is due to be sentenced on September 09 and could spend the rest of his life in prison. 

 

UK home secretary Theresa May hails the verdict. She said: "I am pleased that Abu Hamza has finally faced justice. He used every opportunity, over many years, to frustrate and delay the extradition process."

 

Meanwhile, Manhattan US Attorney Preet Bharara said: "The defendant stands convicted, not for what he said, but for what he did.

 

"Abu Hamza was not just a preacher of faith, but a trainer of terrorists.

 

Manhattan US Attorney Preet Bhara: "Abu Hamza... attempted to portray himself as a preacher of faith 

but he was, instead, a trainer of terrorists"

 

"Once again our civilian system of justice has proven itself up to the task of trying an accused terrorist and arriving at a fair and just and swift result."