A Spanish prosecutor has backed a US request to extradite pro-Palestinian philanthropist James "Fergie" Chambers Jr., an American media heir held in Madrid since his arrest in Ibiza on July 10, Reuters reported.
The US accuses him of rioting, conspiracy to riot over a 2023 protest against Israeli arms company Elbit Systems in New Hampshire, and international money laundering, including allegations that he sent about $7.5 million to Tunisia to support Hamas. Chambers denies this and says the money financed his company's sponsorship of a football club and gym.
He told the court he wanted "justice, reason and mercy," and refused to agree to extradition. He says the case is political persecution because of his support for the Palestinians and has applied for asylum. His lawyers say the US documents contain material translation errors, and that those convicted in the New Hampshire protest were given about 60 days.