Extradited Islamist Cleric in New York Court

Abu Hamza al-Masri appeared in federal court in New York for a 10-minute hearing during which he was informed of the charges against him. Deborah Gembara reports.

Published

8 months ago

Categories

US

Topics

Terrorism, United States

People

Deborah Gembara, Abu Hamza Al Masri, Zacarias Moussaoui

Places

Yemen, New York, United Kingdom

Transcript

A day after he was extradited from the UK, Islamist cleric Abu Hamza al-Masri was in a New York court. The 54-year-old Islamist cleric faces charges he provided material support to al Qaeda , plotted a kidnapping in Yemen and tried to open a training camp for militants. He will not, however, have to enter a plea until Tuesday. Abu Hamza spoke only once during his 10-minute court hearing. He asked that his prosthetics be returned to him and that he receive proper medical attention. Abu Hamza , who wears a hook in place of his missing right hand, is said to have inspired some of the world's most high-profile militants including Zacarias Moussaoui, one of the accused Sept. 11, 2001 conspirators. If convicted, Hamza could face up to life in prison.