Alleged London bomber in court
17/08/2005 13:12  - (SA)  

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Marta Falconi

Rome - An extradition hearing for suspected London bomber Hamdi Issac opened on Wednesday, and Italian prosecutors have said they may seek to have him sent to Britain only temporarily.

Issac was present at the hearing, which began shortly after 09:00 in a Rome court amid tight security, courthouse official Salvatore Frezzetto said.

British authorities are seeking the man for his alleged role in one of the failed July 21 bombings.

Italian authorities are considering making his extradition temporary so that Issac could be returned to Italy to face international terrorism charges here.

Britain's lawyer in the case, however, said he would seek to have Issac, also known as Osman Hussain, permanently extradited, saying there was no provision in British law for a temporary transfer.

"Temporary extradition is not a practicable path and should the possibility arise, I think it will create a problem for Britain," Paolo Iorio, a lawyer representing the British government told The Associated Press on Tuesday.

"I don't think Britain would ever subscribe to a similar agreement," he said, cautioning that Wednesday's decision could be delayed.

Iorio and Domenicomassimo Miceli, one of the judges hearing the case, arrived at the courthouse on Wednesday without making comments to reporters gathered outside.

Italian prosecutor Alberto Cozzella said on Tuesday that temporary extradition was "one possible way to go."

He conceded, though, that British authorities would have to agree to it. The other options, he said, were full extradition or no extradition at all.

Currently jailed in Rome, Issac is being held on international terrorism charges following his arrest in the Italian capital on July 29. Issac, a British citizen, is wanted in connection with the failed July 21 attacks, which came two weeks after four deadly explosions on the London transport system.

Defence lawyer Antonietta Sonnessa has suggested that her client would oppose the extradition request, saying he preferred to remain in Italy. Sonnessa has said Wednesday's hearing is likely to be "the decisive one."

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