Radical Preacher Accused of Terrorist Sympathies Sets Up 'Training Camp' in Thailand

A preacher born in London, who is accused of celebrating terrorists and radicalizing followers, has established a physical and religious training camp in Thailand to teach ‘Islamic spiritual psychology.’ Sayed Hussain Makke has reportedly mourned members of Hezbollah, a proscribed Lebanese terror organization, and Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Makke, a graduate of Brunel University, had his visa to Australia revoked last year. This action followed allegations that he praised Hassan Nasrallah, a Hezbollah leader killed in an Israeli air strike, as one of the world’s ‘greatest freedom fighters.’ Nasrallah, who led Hezbollah for three decades, was responsible for numerous deaths and transformed the group into a significant political and military force. Hezbollah is banned as a terrorist organization in the UK, US, and other countries. The militia has also played a role in supporting Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria and provides training to other Iranian-backed militias in Iraq, Yemen, and Hamas in Gaza.

Makke has also shared tributes to Mohamed Balbaaki, a British friend who died fighting for Hezbollah. In one instance, he was seen crouching next to a shrine of Balbaaki, who was in Hezbollah uniform, with the caption: 'I miss you forever.'

Previously, Makke conducted 'Spiritual Warrior' training camps in England’s Peak District. His current retreat in Thailand, scheduled from December 1-6, is advertised as a six-day program focused on ‘retreat in nature filled with workshops, training, reflection, and brotherhood’ for men who 'no longer know how to be men.' Promotional videos depict groups of men in a boxing ring listening to lectures, and the camp includes Shia cleric Sheikh Salman Zaarour, who has reportedly advised young men to 'reflect on our destinies.'

Alicia Kearns, a former chairman of the foreign affairs committee, has repeatedly reported Makke to counter-terrorism police. In June, she wrote to the Home Office questioning why Makke had not been arrested, citing his sustained public support for Hezbollah, the alleged radicalization occurring at his training camps, and his relocation to an area with a significant Hezbollah presence in Southern Lebanon. While the Home Office stated that evidence of potential offenses would be assessed and acted upon, Kearns noted that Makke was not arrested upon his return to the UK.

Kasra Aarabi, Director of IRGC Research at United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI), expressed concern over Makke's activities, noting that Hezbollah is a proscribed terrorist group with a history of involvement in plots on British soil. Aarabi highlighted Makke's consistent promotion of Hezbollah’s ideology and his attendance at Nasrallah’s funeral. Aarabi also expressed concern about Makke’s ‘warrior camps’ for young British men.

Makke himself has denied membership in or support for any proscribed organizations, stating that his actions have always complied with UK terrorism law and calling allegations to the contrary 'defamatory, ludicrous and racist.' He also stated that British counter-terrorism police should be commended for ignoring what he described as 'malign Zionist influence-peddlers.'

Since 2008, Hezbollah’s military wing has been proscribed in the UK, with its political wing banned in 2019 due to its destabilizing activities in the Middle East. Supporting a proscribed group is a criminal offense with a maximum sentence of 14 years in prison.