Muslim cleric held on US extradition warrant
Muslim cleric Abu Hamza has been arrested on an extradition warrant issued by the US government, it emerged today.
The 47-year-old was arrested at his home address in West London in a raid by Metropolitan Police officers.
Scotland Yard confirmed that “a British citizen, aged 47,” was arrested at approximately 3am today.
The man was detained by officers from the Extradition and International Assistance Unit under an extradition warrant obtained at Bow Street Magistrates’ Court.
He was taken to a central London police station and will appear at Bow Street Magistrates Court later today.
Home Secretary David Blunkett believes Hamza, who used to preach at Finsbury Park mosque in north London, should be stripped of his British citizenship and sent back to Yemen.
But the year-long legal battle to decide his future has been fraught with delays.
The Special Immigrations Appeals Commission said that a three-week appeal against the decision to deport him will begin on January 10, next year.
