16/11/2005

Clarke to extradite terror suspect

Home Secretary Charles Clarke has announced plans to extradite British terror suspect Babar Ahmad to the US to face terrorism charges.

Mr Ahmad, 31, an IT worker from Tooting, south London, is accused of raising money to support terrorist activity in Chechnya and Afghanistan via internet sites and emails.

Mr Ahmad was arrested in August 2004, following an extradition request from the US. He had been previously arrested by anti-terrorist police in December 2003, but had been released without charge.

In a statement, the Home Office said: “The Home Secretary has given full consideration to complex representations that have been made on Mr Ahmad’s behalf, but is satisfied that the conditions for his extradition have been met.”

The decision to extradite Mr Ahmad was made at Bow Street Magistrates Court in May, but was sent to the Home Secretary for final approval.

At the hearing, Mr Ahmad’s lawyers had argued that he could face the death penalty if he was extradited to the US.

Mr Ahmad’s family are understood to be planning to appeal the extradition order.

A spokesperson for the family said that it was a “sad day” for British Muslims. He said: “In effect, this sends a message to British Muslims that there is no legal and democratic means to air your concerns.”

(KMcA/SP)

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