Courts / Waterford / Report
Case of man wanted in US on international terrorism charges opens
Summary
The High Court in Dublin has begun hearing the extradition case of Ali Charaf Damache, an Algerian-born Irish citizen wanted by the US on international terrorism charges. This is the second hearing following a Supreme Court appeal where Damache successfully challenged the DPP's decision not to prosecute him in Ireland. The Supreme Court directed that the case proceed before a different judge, Ms Justice Aileen Donnelly, who commenced the proceedings. The US alleges Damache conspired to provide material support to terrorists and attempted identity theft to facilitate international terrorism. Prosecutors stated he contacted Colleen LaRose, known online as "Jihad Jane," claiming to be a "devoted jihadist." It is alleged he arranged for LaRose to travel to the Netherlands and Ireland to avoid US scrutiny and planned to form a terrorist cell, including seeking military training in Pakistan. LaRose was separately sentenced to 10 years in prison last January after being convicted of planning to murder Swedish cartoonist Lars Vilks. Damache's defense argued that US sentencing guidelines are fundamentally flawed compared to Irish standards. If convicted in the US, Damache faces up to 45 years in jail. He has been in custody since 2012 pending the extradition outcome. The court remanded Damache in continuing custody, and the matter was adjourned to continue tomorrow.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Case of man wanted in US on international terrorism charges opens. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- January 11, 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
- March 2011 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2014-11-25 Publication
Case subjects
Appellant
Outcome: LaRose was sentenced last January to 10 years in prison after being convicted of planning to murder Swedish cartoonist Lars Vilks, who had depicted the head of the Muslim prophet Mohammad on a dog.; Mr Damache was remanded in continuing custody and the case continues tomorrow.
Places mentioned
- The High Court
- Supreme Court
- Ireland. The Supreme Court
- High Court
Topics
Stage Appeal Theft Violent Crime
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