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Man wanted on US terror charges appears in the High Court

An Algerian man wanted in the United States on terrorism charges has appeared before the High Cou...
Newstalk
Newstalk

13.57 28 Feb 2013


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Man wanted on US terror charge...

Man wanted on US terror charges appears in the High Court

Newstalk
Newstalk

13.57 28 Feb 2013


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An Algerian man wanted in the United States on terrorism charges has appeared before the High Court.

Ali Charaf Damache also known as 'The Black Flag' was arrested on an extradition warrant at 4pm yesterday evening after he walked free from Waterford Circuit Court.

He had pleaded guilty mid-trial to sending a menacing message to Michigan attorney, Majed Moughni, who had organised a protest in January 2010 denouncing Islamic extremism.

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A second charge of threatening to kill Mr. Moughni was withdrawn.

The 47-year-old's 4 year sentence was back-dated to account for the nearly 3 years he spent in prison while awaiting trial and he was released.

He was re-arrested outside the court almost immediately on foot of a US extradition warrant and was brought before Mr. Justice John Edwards today.

'Tactical decision' to arrest him outside court

Dressed in jeans, a checked shirt and a black jumper, he remained silent during the hearing and had an Arabic interpreter by his side.

Sergeant Derek Hughes told the court it was a 'tactical decision' to arrest Mr. Damache outside the court as it was the most 'opportune time to do it'.

He said he cautioned the Algerian who made no reply when shown a copy of the warrant and other documents.

Ali Charaf Damache is wanted in the United States to face prosecution on 2 charges; conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists which carries a sentence of up to 15 years, and identity theft to facilitate an act of international terrorism which has a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison.

The 47-year-old was originally arrested in Ireland in March 2010 over the 'Jihad Jane' plot to assassinate Swedish artist Lars Vilks who depicted the Muslim prophet Muhammad as a dog.

Two women are to be sentenced in the US on charges relating to the conspiracy.

One of them - Colleen LaRose - billed herself as 'Jihad Jane', the other woman, Jamie Paulin Ramirez, married Damache in Ireland.

Mr. Damache's lawyers did not apply for bail and he has been remanded in custody to Cloverhill Prison ahead of his next court appearance on Tuesday.


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