Bid to extradite cleric delayed

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An attempt by the US to extradite radical Muslim cleric Abu Hamza al-Masri to face terror charges has been put back for a month.

Al-Masri, who has been convicted in the UK of soliciting murder and inciting racial hatred, appeared via video link before City of Westminster magistrates.

The court heard there was a possible appeal to the House of Lords against his convictions.

The matter was adjourned until 8 November.

The US wants al-Masri's "temporary surrender" under the 2003 Extradition Act so he can stand trial on charges, including providing support to al-Qaeda and involvement in a hostage-taking conspiracy in Yemen.

He would complete his jail term in the UK before serving any sentence in the US.

Leave to appeal

Al-Masri was jailed for seven years at the Old Bailey in February this year after being convicted of soliciting murder and inciting racial hatred.

In July, the Court of Appeal gave him leave to appeal after his lawyers argued that a long delay in bringing the prosecution made it impossible for him to have a fair trial.

District Judge Anthony Evans was told by his clerk about the possible appeal to the House of Lords during the latest hearing, which was less than two minutes.