British Court Denies U.S. Extradition Request on Algerian Pilot in Alleged Terrorism Conspiracy

On April 24, 2002, British Judge Timothy Workman denied a United States extradition request for Lotfi Raissi because of insufficient evidence to support the conspiracy charges. Upon his arrest on September 21, 2002, the U.S. Government alleged Raissi participated in an “active conspiracy” and had trained one or more of the September 11 hijackers in flying techniques. U.S. Attorney General John D. Ascroft traveled to London and contended Raissi’s extradition was essential for “a inquiry related to September 11.” In his decision denying the extradition request, Judge Workman explained that he received no evidence to support the allegations. Richard Egan, counsel for Raissi, said Raissi might bring a civil suit against the U.S. or the British prosecutors who represented the U.S. and British prosecutors had and would produce evidence in support of the extradition request. However, such cases are extremely difficult to win.