Abu Hamza to face extradition bid

The US authorities want Abu Hamza to appear in an American court

The radical Islamic cleric Abu Hamza al-Masri could face terror charges in the US after an attempt to overturn his UK convictions was rejected.

Abu Hamza, 48, was jailed for seven years in February 2006 for soliciting murder and inciting racial hatred.

He is wanted in the US on charges of supporting al-Qaeda and involvement in a hostage conspiracy in Yemen.

Westminster magistrates ruled a four-day extradition hearing would begin on May 16.

'Temporary surrender'

The decision follows a ruling on Monday in the House of Lords where he was refused leave to fight a Court of Appeal judgment that his convictions were safe.

Abu Hamza, who appeared via video-link from Belmarsh prison in South London , spoke only to confirm that he understood what was happening.

Hugo Keith, representing the US government, said it was expected that the defence would call expert witnesses in relation to the US detention facility at Guantanamo Bay.

The US government is seeking Abu Hamza's "temporary surrender" under the 2003 Extradition Act.

Once tried in the US he would then be returned to the UK to complete his jail term before being extradited again to serve any sentence handed down in the US.

District Judge Timothy Workman remanded Hamza in custody until the start of the extradition hearing.

The court heard that the hearing will either be held back at City of Westminster Magistrates Court or at Belmarsh Prison.