LA terror suspect can be extradited

Amar Makhlulif (right) faces terrorism charges in the US

An Algerian accused of plotting with Osama Bin Laden to blow up Los Angeles Airport can be extradited to stand trial in the US, a judge has ruled.

Lawyers representing suspected al-Qaeda leader Amar Makhlulif had told a UK court he would be denied justice if he were extradited.

However, district judge Timothy Workman ruled there was sufficient evidence to send him to the US for trial, pending a final decision by the home secretary.

The 37-year-old accused appeared at top security Belmarsh Magistrates Court in south-east London on Friday.

Defence spokeswoman Alison MacDonald said an appeal would be considered.

The US wants Mr Makhlulif to face trial in America for his alleged involvement in a plot to blow up Los Angeles Airport on the eve of the Millennium.

He denies all five terrorism charges brought by the US against him.

US indictment

The indictment lodged in New York claims Mr Makhlulif was based in Britain from where he organised a cell which trained in terrorist camps in Afghanistan.

Mr Makhlulif, also known by the surname Doha and as 'The Doctor', was arrested at London Heathrow Airport boarding a flight to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in February last year.

American court documents allege Mr Makhlulif was a "key recruiter" who met Algerians in Algeria and Europe who were then sent to training camps in Afghanistan in 1998.

They claim he had discussions with Bin Laden about appropriate targets and methods for any terrorist campaigns.

They also allege that he provided false documents to get terrorist cells back out of Afghanistan.

Mr Makhlulif is also suspected of sending others to Canada to prepare for the 11 September attacks.