Posted on 06/03/2004 12:33:27 PM PDT by knighthawk
Radical Muslim clerk Abu Hamza has been described in court as an al Qaida "hero" like Osama bin Laden.
The one-eyed, hook-handed preacher appeared at Belmarsh Magistrates' Court where he is fighting extradition to the US to face terror charges.
The start of the hearing was delayed while security guards found restraining body belts after realising they could not handcuff Hamza.
Wearing a red T-shirt, khaki trousers, and with a khaki coat draped across his arms, the 46-year-old spoke only to confirm his name and that he understood the US wanted to extradite him.
James Lewis QC, acting for the US authorities, said an application for bail should be rejected on the grounds that Hamza might flee to escape the "extremely serious charges" against him, and there were many willing to hide him.
"From an al Qaida point of view he is a hero in the same way as bin Laden is portrayed."
Mr Lewis said there was also a risk that Hamza, famous for preaching at the Finsbury Park Mosque in London, would reoffend or seek to interfere with witnesses while on bail. Paul Hynes, defending, told the court that there was no way his client would run like "a thief in the night" in the face of US pressure.
Hamza, who had his eyes closed and appeared to be dozing throughout much of the proceedings, showed no emotion as District Judge Timothy Workman, refused his application for bail and remanded him in custody.
Hamza will appear by video link at Bow Street Magistrates' Court on July 1, and a full extradition hearing is scheduled for July 23. The charges against the cleric were not read out at the hearing, but during his first appearance at Belmarsh Magistrates' Court last week he was told there were a total of nine charges under British law. They related to incidents of hostage taking in Yemen in 1998, in which four captives - including three Britons - died.
He is also accused of trying to set up a terror training camp in Oregon in the US, and sending another individual described as "Hamza's hit man" to fight for the Taliban.
Ping
The knucklehead security force could certainly disconnect his steel hooks.
An Al Quaeda hero?
Fine SHOOT HIM!
The only thing this creep is missing is a bullet hole between the eyes.
Eye.
Whatever
The only thing this creep is missing is a bullet hole between the eyes.
Eye.
Whatever
These Moslem clerics who live in the West should be punished by some mafia type vigilantly group if they continue to preach hate. The government is tied up with cumbersome rules and laws. The government, in turn should look the other way. This will send the message loud and clear! In Moslem countries, Christians, who do not preach hate get ambushed by Militant vigilantly terrorists, and the Moslem governments look the other way.
Hey, Iman, How did you loose that leg?
"I steped on a mine in Afghanistan fighting the Russians."
How did you loose that hand?
"A grenade went off in it while fighting the Russians."
Did you loose your eye in the same fight?
"No. A bird pooped in my eye the day after I got my hook!"
Works for me.
Heyho Captain Hook
Well hardy me timbers, Praise be to Allah!
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