Briton fights extradition to US

Mr Ahmad's supporters say he should be tried in Britain

A British computer expert accused of running terrorist websites is due to begin his appeal against extradition to the United States.

Babar Ahmad from Tooting, south London, is alleged to have raised funds for rebels in Chechnya and Afghanistan and urged Muslims to fight a holy war.

Mr Ahmad has been fighting extradition since he was arrested in August 2004.

His lawyers have previously said he would be at risk of the death penalty if he was sent to the US.

Mr Ahmad was also arrested under anti-terror laws in December 2003, but was released without charge - a move his supporters have said proves his innocence.

He is wanted by the US because the internet service providers he used were based there.

But his supporters say that if there is a trial, it should be in Britain.

They also claim he is a victim of a recently introduced fast-track arrangement between the US and Britain, under which three ex-NatWest bankers are due to be extradited to America on Thursday to face charges in relation to the Enron collapse.