No bail for Abu Hamza, may be extradited to US

Radical Muslim cleric Abu Hamza, facing 11 terror charges in the US including hostage taking and supporting Al Qaeda, was today denied bail by a British court in which he was described as an Al Qaeda ‘‘hero’’ like Osama bin Laden. US aims to get the former Finsbury Park preacher extradited, to face terrorism-related charges in the US. ‘‘From an Al Qaeda point of view, he is a hero in the same way as bin Laden is portrayed,’’ US government lawyer James Lewis told the court.

Hamza has said he will contest extradition. Announcing the charges in New York last week, US Attorney General John Ashcroft said the cleric could face the death penalty or life imprisonment if found guilty. But under current UK law, Britain must seek US agreement that no death penalty will be sought before any extradition is approved. Hamza is accused of acting as an intermediary with a terrorist group which took 16 hostages in the Yemen, six years ago.

Three British tourists and an Australian died when they were used as human shields during a shoot-out with Yemen rescuers, it is alleged. The US claims it has linked Hamza to the hostage-taking.

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It also alleges Hamza provided support and resources for terrorists, particularly Al Qaeda, and attempted to establish a terror training camp in Oregon. Hamza regularly preached at Finsbury Park until February 2003 when the Charity Commission banned him for using his position for ‘‘personal and political’’ purposes.

But he continued to preach outside the mosque. The one-eyed, hook-handed preacher spoke only to confirm his name and that he understood the US wanted to extradite him.