|
LONDON, Nov. 16 (Xinhuanet) -- British Home Secretary Charles Clarke ordered on Wednesday the extradition of British terror suspect Babar Ahmad to the United States.
The US government has accused the 31-year-old computer expert from
south London of "conspiring to support terrorism", saying he "sought, invited
and solicited contributions" via websites and e-mails.
It is alleged that Ahmad possessed plans for a US Navy battle group
in the Gulf, including comments on how ships were vulnerable to attack, said
British media reports.
The US State Department has claimed that websites run by Ahmad urged
Muslims to use "every means at their disposal" to train for jihad, or holy war.
Ahmad is also alleged to have tried to set up a terrorist training
camp in Arizona.
Ahmad is currently held in a British jail after being arrested on a
warrant from America. He has been in custody since August 2004.
"The Home Secretary has given full consideration to complex
representations that have been made on Mr. Ahmad's behalf but is satisfied that
the conditions for his extradition have been met," said a Home Office statement,
adding the government "is fully committed to completing extradition cases
relating to terrorist offenses as quickly as possible."
Ahmad's supporters say there is no credible evidence against him.
A spokesman for Ahmad's family said: "This sends a message to British
Muslims that there is no legal and democratic means to air your concerns. You
must use other ways to get justice."
His family said they would appeal the extradition order in the High
Court.
In May 2005, a District Court judge ruled Ahmad could be extradited,
and the case was sent to the home secretary for final approval.
Ahmad's lawyers have said he would risk death penalty if he was sent
to the United States and transferred to military jurisdiction.
The extradition order is in line with a British legislation designed
to speed up the extradition of suspected terrorists, which came into effect in
January 2004. Enditem |