Courts / Ireland / Report

Human Rights Commission intervenes in extradition case

Summary

The Irish Human Rights Commission (IHRC) has intervened in the extradition case of Ali Charaf Damache (49), an Algerian-born Irish citizen wanted in the United States to face charges relating to the conspiracy to provide material support for terrorists and attempted identity theft to facilitate an act of international terrorism. The High Court was informed that this is the first time the IHRC has intervened in an extradition case. The US alleges that Damache conspired with Colleen LaRose, known online as 'Jihad Jane,' and others to create a terror cell in Europe capable of targeting US and western European citizens. It is also alleged that Damache, who used the username 'the black flag,' participated in a conspiracy to transfer a stolen US passport to an individual in Pakistan believed to be a member of Al Qaeda. Damache had twice sought judicial review of the DPP's decision not to prosecute him in Ireland, but both applications were refused by the High Court. Three of Damache's alleged co-conspirators have already been sentenced. If convicted of the charges outlined in an indictment returned in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania in October 2011, Damache faces a potential sentence of 45 years in prison. Michael Lynn SC for the IHRC stated that the commission wished to make submissions on human rights issues, including the potential detention in a Supermax prison and the right to practice his Muslim faith. The court heard there was no objection to the application from Damache's counsel or the Attorney General. Damache was not produced in court today as no production order had been made to the Prison Service. Mr Justice John Edwards indicated he was disposed to grant the application, permitting the IHRC to join the proceedings. The extradition case continues on October 28.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Human Rights Commission intervenes in extradition case. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• October 2011 Hearing Or Sentence
• October 28 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2014-10-14 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence Theft

Read the original CNI report