A taliban fighter jailed after using his market stall to recruit extremists could soon be released.
Munir Farooqi, 63, was at the centre of a plot to persuade vulnerable young men to "fight, kill and die" in a jihad, or holy war, in Afghanistan.
He was handed four life sentences in September 2011 after trying to recruit two undercover anti-terror police officers.
Farooqi was told he must serve a minimum of nine years before being considered for parole.
In October, his first parole review was refused – but it is believed the Secretary of State will refer his case back to the Parole Board in mid-2022.
A source said: "Farooqi was given four life sentences but he could still walk free. It’s terrifying."
Farooqi, of Longsight, Manchester, ran an Islamic book stall and was recorded bragging to undercover cops about fighting with the Taliban.
There is no evidence anyone from the UK travelled abroad to fight Allied forces as a result of his actions.
News of his potential release comes as the Government faces mounting criticism for failing to keep hardened extremists in prison.
This week, it emerged terrorist Sudesh Amman, 20, was freed to stab two people in Streatham, South London, 10 days after police begged prison bosses to keep him locked up in February 2020.
A spokesman for the Parole Board confirmed Farooqi "will be eligible for a further review in due course."
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