Abu Hamza could face charges in Britain despite American protests

[emad]

The Times
By Daniel McGrory and Richard Ford

THE Bush Administration has been pressing Britain not to block the extradition of radical cleric Abu Hamza al-Masri to the US by bringing charges against him in Britain.

The Crown Prosecution Service believes that there is sufficient evidence to charge the Egyptian cleric under Britain’s anti-terrorism laws. A decision will be announced today.

The case has prompted the American authorities to lobby the Attorney-General, Lord Goldsmith, QC, for Hamza’s extradition. Criminal charges laid in Britain would take precedence over next week’s full extradition hearing.

One Whitehall source said last night: “If there are charges then there will be some very, very annoyed Americans.” In spite of the US pressure, Whitehall has told the American authorities that ministers, including the Attorney-General, cannot interfere in criminal investigations and decisions on whether to bring a prosecution. It is understood that Abu Hamza, 47, who is being held in Belmarsh prison near Woolwich, southeast London, would rather face charges in Britain than be tried in the United States.
More:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/newspaper/0,,174-1310683,00.html

[librechik]

1. Shrub's tuff on Terrorists!

Yeah--don't prosecute that terrarist! He might say the wrong thing on the witness chair! Give him to us so we can make him disappear! PLEEEEAAAASSSSSEEEE!