Hamza 'world terror plot'

Radical Muslim cleric Abu Hamza was part of a worldwide conspiracy to wage war on the West, a court heard today.

James Lewis, QC, said: "Abu Hamza is a member of a global conspiracy to wage Jihad (holy war) against the United States and other countries.

"He has consistently advocated hatred and violence against the United States of America, which he called the United Snakes of America."

Mr Lewis is representing the US government which is trying to extradite Hamza from Britain to stand trial.

He said the global network of conspiracy included, but was not limited to, England, Pakistan, Yemen, Afghanistan and the United States.

Hamza, who used to preach at the Finsbury Park mosque, sat in the dock at Belmarsh magistrates' court after being led through a tunnel known as "the pipe" from his cell at the highsecurity prison next door.

He was surrounded by four prison officers, a security guard and a welfare officer.

The prosecution claims that in the autumn of 1999 Hamza conspired to set up a terrorist training camp on an isolated ranch near Bly in Oregon.

Two people, one of whom described himself as an al Qaeda hitman, were sent from London to inspect the property, it was claimed. Hamza came to Britain in 1979 and was granted UK citizenship in 1986, although that has since been revoked.

The case has been adjourned until October 19.