Fourth Estate Cooperative Staff
London, United Kingdom (4E) – Three months after the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) approved Abu Hamza’s extradition, the radical Muslim cleric on Monday lodged an appeal against the court’s ruling.
In April, the ECHR had ruled that Britain could deport Hamza along with four other terror suspects to the United States since the suspects human rights would not be violated.
“Home Secretary Theresa May welcomed the ECHR judgement on April 10 over extradition of Abu Hamza and four other terrorist suspects,” a Home Office spokesperson told the prerss.
“Abu Hamza has applied to have the judgement referred to the Strasbourg-based court’s Grand Chamber. The judgment does not become final until a decision has been made on the application. The suspects remain in extradition custody,” spokesperson added.
Hamza’s application came three months after the expiry of court’s stay for appeal after its April verdict. The court however blocked the extradition and forced the Grand Chamber of the ECHR to decide on whether or not to take up the case.
The U.S. has accused Hamza of establishing an Al-Qaeda-style training camp for militants in northwestern Oregon.
Hamza is also charged with sending financial assistance to Afghanistan’s Taliban and al-Qaeda militants. He is also suspected of helping Yemen’s kidnappers’ gang, who abducted 16 Western tourists some 14 years ago.
