'Hate' Cleric Remanded

Updated:21:16, Thursday May 27, 2004

Radical cleric Abu Hamza has been remanded in custody in London after being indicted in New York on 11 terror-related charges.

Hamza often preaches

He appeared at Belmarsh Magistrates Court and his next court appearance is scheduled for June 3.

Hamza, 47, who was arrested in London, is accused of  "hostage-taking" and of setting up terrorist training camps in America and Afghanistan.

US Attorney General John Ashcroft told a press conference the charges carried the death sentence.

However, the Goverment says the preacher will not be executed if extradited and convicted in America.

British law prevents suspects being extradited to countries that carry out executions.

The Extraditions Act 2003 says suspects will only be extradited to those countries if categorical assurances are given that the penalty will not be carried out.

Home Secretary David Blunkett said: "We have an agreement with the Americans which I renewed a year ago with John Ashcroft which means that on his extradition they are entitled to find him guilty, they are entitled to kill in the sentence but they will not carry out an execution.

"I am assuming that, having the process under way, the Americans have substantial material otherwise it won't get off square one."

Mr Ashcroft said the Bush administration was discussing the situation with Britain.

The allegations against Hamza include conspiracy to and taking hostages in Yemen in 1998, conspiracy to supply material support and resources to al Qaeda by setting up terrorist training camps in Oregon and Afghanistan.

He is also accused of helping the Taliban.

Police outside Hamza's home

Mr Ashcroft said: "The United States will use every diplomatic, legal and administrative tool to pursue and prosecute those who facilitate terrorist activity and we will not stop until the war on terror is won."

Raymond Kelly, New York police commissioner, said Hamza was the "real deal", adding: "He is suspected of providing support to trainees in Osama bin Laden's terrorist camps as well as dispatching associates from England to help establish Jihad training sites here in the US.

"Think of him as a freelance consultant to terrorism groups worldwide."

The case against Hamza is thought to be based on information obtained from suspects already held in America.

The Egyptian-born cleric was a preacher at Finsbury Park mosque in north London until he was kicked out by the Charity Commission.

He has been accused of recruiting for al Qaeda and has urged young British muslims to copy suicide bombers in Israel.

His followers include shoebomber Richard Reid, who tried to blow up a transatlantic flight.

Home Secretary David Blunkett has begun legal moves to strip Hamza of his British citizenship but the case has been fraught with delays.