Britain bans radical Muslim group

LONDON, Jan. 13 (UPI) -- The British Home Secretary has banned a Muslim organization whose leader threatened to march through a town that honors British soldiers killed in Afghanistan.

Anjem Choudary threatened more violence after he learned of the banning order Tuesday, The Sun reported.

Home Secretary Alan Johnson also banned Islam4UK's parent organization, Al Muhajiroun. Members of either group could now face substantial prison terms.

Choudary, in a news conference in Westminster, the seat of British government, said banning his organization would drive it underground and he would have no control over members who wanted to carry out violent actions.

"Many people will rally towards us now -- this is the biggest favor the government could do for us," he said. "I will wear this ban as a badge of honor."

Choudary attracted attention when he said he would lead a march through Wootton Basset. The town lies on the route between the airbase where the bodies of soldiers killed in Afghanistan and Iraq land and Oxford, where they are sent for autopsy. Local residents, often joined by outsiders, salute corteges as they pass through.