Spain endorses extradition process of jailed US donor accused of financing Hamas

The Spanish government has approved the initial step of the extradition process for a US citizen, James Cox Chambers Jr., currently detained in Madrid and sought by Washington for alleged financing of Hamas. The US government accuses Chambers, 41, of money laundering, rioting, and conspiracy to riot, stemming from his participation in pro-Palestinian demonstrations in 2023 and transferring funds to a Tunisian company.

This marks the first time the US government has requested extradition for alleged support of Hamas. Chambers denies the charges, asserting the money transfers were humanitarian donations, including for Gaza. The Spanish Council of Ministers voted to proceed to court, with the final decision resting with the Cabinet led by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.

Spain's left-wing Podemos party has rallied support for Chambers' release, arguing it tests European governments' willingness to comply with US pressure. The Cox family, known for its extensive media, telecoms, and automotive business empire in Georgia, USA, has a long-standing presence in the United States. However, Fergie Chambers is known for his activism, including pro-Hamas stance after the October 7, 2023 attacks, questioning Israel's right to exist, and criticising American "imperialism".

His lawyers argue there is no evidence of wrongdoing in his money transfers, and that US seeks a five-year prison sentence for conduct similar to that of other pro-Palestinian protest participants. If Spain rejects the extradition, it may exacerbate already strained political relations with the US. Spain has been vocal in its criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza, has recognized Palestine, and opposed US attacks on Iran.