London 'terror' student faces extradition to US

A London-based student accused of providing a one-stop shop for international terrorists on his university computer faced an extradition hearing today.

Babar Ahmad is alleged to have run US-based websites from his terminal at Imperial College which incited Muslims to support the fight against "infidels" in Afghanistan and Chechnya.

Today Mr Ahmad, wanted by US authorities, faced five charges.

Bow Street magistrates heard the 30-year-old father-of-two from Tooting had made a call to arms against US forces in Afghanistan. He was also said to have been raising funds to be used for "unlawful violence, including murder, for the purpose of advancing a political cause".

Mr Ahmad, dressed in a casual blue tracksuit, spoke only to confirm his name and say that he understood the charges. He is the first suspected terrorist to face extradition proceedings to the US under new laws. A 2003 Act, passed by then Home Secretary David Blunkett, ruled that suspects-could be extradited to face trial in America without "prima facie" evidence being presented first in a British court.

Up to 50 "Free Babar Ahmad" protesters waved placards and chanted outside the court today.

Edward Fitzgerald, defending, opened proceedings by claiming his client has no chance to prove his innocence, and that his detention in Britain is against the Human Rights Act.

In preliminary hearings last year Mr Ahmad was said to have been found to possess strategic plans for a US Navy battleship in the Gulf.