Spain allows US extradition case against pro-Palestinian donor to proceed
MADRID, Sept 22 (Reuters) - Spain on Tuesday allowed a US extradition request for pro-Palestinian donor James Cox Chambers to proceed to court, despite protests from the government's left-wing coalition partners who argue the case is politically motivated. The case is politically sensitive for Spain's Socialist-led government, whose pro-Palestinian stance has drawn rebuke from the Trump…
Spain has approved the initial step in the extradition process of James Cox Chambers Jr, a 41-year-old US citizen imprisoned in Madrid and wanted by the United States for alleged financing of Hamas. Chambers, known as Fergie Chambers, is accused of money laundering, rioting, and conspiracy to riot for his involvement in pro-Palestinian demonstrations in 2023 and transferring funds to a company in Tunisia, where he resided previously.
The US government alleges that Chambers engaged in activities supporting Hamas, marking the first instance of such a request for alleged Hamas support. Chambers denies these accusations, claiming the money transfers were donations for humanitarian projects, including in Gaza. The Spanish Council of Ministers voted to allow the case to proceed to court, with the final decision resting with the Cabinet led by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.
The Cox family, based in Atlanta, Georgia, has a long history of media, telecommunications, and automotive businesses. Fergie Chambers, however, is known for his activism, criticizing Israel's actions, questioning its right to exist, and opposing American "imperialism." His lawyers argue that the US seeks a five-year prison sentence for conduct that resulted in 60-day sentences for others involved in pro-Palestinian protests.
If Spain rejects the extradition, it may strain relations with the US, as Spain has been vocal in criticizing Israel's actions in Gaza and opposing US attacks on Iran.
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- Spain endorses extradition process of jailed US donor accused of financing Hamas thenationalnews.com
- Spain allows US extradition case against alleged Hamas donor to proceed timesofisrael.com
