20/08/2004

Abu Hamza remanded in custody

The radical Muslim cleric Abu Hamza al-Masri, who is fighting extradition to the US, has been remanded in custody after appearing before Bow Street Magistrates Court today.

Abu Hamza, who faces a total of 11 terrorism-related charges, appeared by videolink from Belmarsh prison to confirm his name and date of birth. He was remanded in prison until September 17, and a full extradition hearing is due to resume on October 19.

The 47-year-old was arrested on May 27 on an extradition warrant served by the US government. If the court rules that the warrant should be granted, Home Secretary David Blunkett will have final say on the extradition.

Currently, UK courts will not grant extradition to a country where conviction of the charges brought against the defendant carries the death penalty. It has been reported that in order to green-light the extradition, US authorities have agreed not to consider the death penalty if Hamza is convicted

Mr Hamza is accused of acting as an intermediary for a terror group which took 16 people hostage in Yemen in 1998. He is also accused of providing resources for Al Qaeda terrorists and attempting to set up a terrorist training camp in Oregon.

A lawyer acting for Abu Hamza has claimed that Egyptian-born cleric is in poor health.

(gmcg)

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