Menu
08/02/2008
Abu Hamza Extradition Approved
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith has approved the extradition of radical Muslim cleric Abu Hamza al-Masri to the US to face terror charges.
The 49-year-old Egyptian-born preacher, who is currently serving a seven-year sentence for soliciting murder and inciting racial hatred in the UK, is wanted on several charges in the US.
Hamza has 14 days to appeal the decision and his lawyer, Muddassar Arani, has confirmed that his client will appeal the decision.
Mr Arani told reporters that there were "grave concerns" about what would happen if the extradition went ahead.
He said: "The Americans have said that he will not face the death penalty or be sent to the Guantanamo Bay detention camp - but how can we be sure?"
Among the allegations made against Hamza by the US government, are claims that he helped to fund terrorism, helped to establish a "training camp" for terrorists in the US state of Oregon and was involved in a plot to kidnap Western tourists in Yemen.
Hamza faces a potential jail sentence of 100 years if he is found guilty at a trial in the US.
If Hamza's appeal fails, he will be extradited to the US within 28 days.
A London court approved his extradition last November, but final approval of the decision had to be made by the home secretary.
(KMcA)
The 49-year-old Egyptian-born preacher, who is currently serving a seven-year sentence for soliciting murder and inciting racial hatred in the UK, is wanted on several charges in the US.
Hamza has 14 days to appeal the decision and his lawyer, Muddassar Arani, has confirmed that his client will appeal the decision.
Mr Arani told reporters that there were "grave concerns" about what would happen if the extradition went ahead.
He said: "The Americans have said that he will not face the death penalty or be sent to the Guantanamo Bay detention camp - but how can we be sure?"
Among the allegations made against Hamza by the US government, are claims that he helped to fund terrorism, helped to establish a "training camp" for terrorists in the US state of Oregon and was involved in a plot to kidnap Western tourists in Yemen.
Hamza faces a potential jail sentence of 100 years if he is found guilty at a trial in the US.
If Hamza's appeal fails, he will be extradited to the US within 28 days.
A London court approved his extradition last November, but final approval of the decision had to be made by the home secretary.
(KMcA)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
15 November 2007
Extradition To US Possible For Abu Hamza
Radical Muslim cleric Abu Hamza al-Masri could be extradited to the US in order to face terrorism charges. The City of Westminster Magistrates Court approved the extradition of the 49-year-old from west London, but the decision has to be ratified by Home Secretary Jacqui Smith.
Extradition To US Possible For Abu Hamza
Radical Muslim cleric Abu Hamza al-Masri could be extradited to the US in order to face terrorism charges. The City of Westminster Magistrates Court approved the extradition of the 49-year-old from west London, but the decision has to be ratified by Home Secretary Jacqui Smith.
01 July 2004
Abu Hamza remanded in custody
The radical Muslim cleric Abu Hamza al-Masri has been remanded in custody at Bow Street Magistrates Court today. Abu Hamza, who faces a total of nine charges, appeared by videolink from Belmarsh prison. He was remanded in prison until July 23. The 46-year-old was arrested on May 27 on an extradition warrant served by the US government.
Abu Hamza remanded in custody
The radical Muslim cleric Abu Hamza al-Masri has been remanded in custody at Bow Street Magistrates Court today. Abu Hamza, who faces a total of nine charges, appeared by videolink from Belmarsh prison. He was remanded in prison until July 23. The 46-year-old was arrested on May 27 on an extradition warrant served by the US government.
03 June 2004
Abu Hamza is denied bail
Controversial Muslim cleric Abu Hamza al-Masri has been denied bail at Belmarsh Magistrates Court today. Abu Hamza was arrested on May 27 on an extradition warrant served by the US government. He is accused of acting as an intermediary for a terror group which took 16 people hostage in Yemen in 1998.
Abu Hamza is denied bail
Controversial Muslim cleric Abu Hamza al-Masri has been denied bail at Belmarsh Magistrates Court today. Abu Hamza was arrested on May 27 on an extradition warrant served by the US government. He is accused of acting as an intermediary for a terror group which took 16 people hostage in Yemen in 1998.
27 May 2004
Radical Muslim cleric arrested in London on US warrant
Controversial Muslim cleric Abu Hamza al-Masri has been arrested today on an extradition warrant served by the US government. It is understood that the US government wishes to question the 47-year-old about terror related offences.
Radical Muslim cleric arrested in London on US warrant
Controversial Muslim cleric Abu Hamza al-Masri has been arrested today on an extradition warrant served by the US government. It is understood that the US government wishes to question the 47-year-old about terror related offences.
16 April 2013
ECHR Rule Against Extradition Of Terrorism Suspect
The extradition of a terrorism suspect, who allegedly tried to establish a training camp in Oregon with the radical cleric Abu Hamza, should not proceed due to his mental health issues, the European Court of Human Rights has ruled.
ECHR Rule Against Extradition Of Terrorism Suspect
The extradition of a terrorism suspect, who allegedly tried to establish a training camp in Oregon with the radical cleric Abu Hamza, should not proceed due to his mental health issues, the European Court of Human Rights has ruled.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Perhaps a touch of ground frost. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
