Radical cleric loses bail bid
2004-06-03 20:52
London - Radical Muslim cleric Abu Hamza al-Masri, fighting extradition to the United States on terrorism charges, was denied bail at a court appearance on Thursday.
A judge rejected a bail request by al-Masri's lawyer, who said the one-eyed, hook-handed preacher posed little flight risk.
"My client is physically distinctive, and also requires regular medication," said lawyer Paul Hynes.
Judge Timothy Workman ruled there was a risk al-Masri would flee or attempt to interfere with witnesses.
He ordered al-Masri detained until his next court appearance on July 1. A full deportation hearing was set for July 23.
Al-Masri, former chief preacher at London's Finsbury Park mosque, was arrested on May 27 after an American extradition request.
He is accused of trying to establish a terrorist training camp in Oregon while providing aid to both al-Qaida and the Taliban.
He is also accused in Yemen of hostage-taking and conspiracy in connection with a December 1998 incident that left four tourists dead.
- AP