An Algerian-born Irish citizen facing extradition to the United States on international terrorism charges has claimed in court that he has been abused and bullied in prison.

Ali Charaf Damache also claims that he cannot pray because his copy of the Koran has been confiscated.

Damache, also known as the Black Flag, is fighting his extradition to the United States on terrorism charges that hold a maximum sentence of 45 years in prison.

He is challenging a decision by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) not to prosecute him here in Ireland - a question the High Court will determine next Monday.

At his court appearance today, Damache (48) claimed that he has been abused in prison, and that the authorities have discriminated against him by confiscating his copy of the Koran.

Mr. Justice John Edwards reply was that he has no control over the prison system. He said that a grievance procedure undoubtedly must exist.

Damache is alleged to have conspired to create a terror cell with American woman Colleen LaRose - or Jihad Jane - who was recently jailed for ten years for her role in a plot to kill Swedish cartoonist Lars Vilks for depicting the head of the Muslim prophet Mohammad on a dog.