Key facts
- Spain's government has allowed a US extradition request for pro-Palestinian donor James Cox Chambers to proceed in its courts.
- Chambers, a US citizen, faces charges including international money laundering, riot, and conspiracy to riot.
- US prosecutors allege Chambers transferred approximately $7.5 million to provide material support to Hamas.
- Chambers' legal team contends the extradition request is politically motivated and sets a dangerous precedent for supporting the Palestinian cause.
- Spanish Minister of Inclusion Elma Saiz described the government's decision as "purely procedural."
- Chambers has applied for asylum in Spain, which could prevent his extradition until the process concludes.
Spain's government has decided to allow a US extradition request for wealthy activist James "Fergie" Chambers to proceed in the country's courts. Chambers, a US citizen and donor to leftwing and humanitarian projects, is currently imprisoned in Madrid and faces charges including international money laundering, riot, and conspiracy to riot.
The US government alleges Chambers transferred approximately $7.5 million from a US bank account to Tunisia several years ago, using the money to support Hamas. Chambers' legal defense team, along with Spanish parliamentarians and celebrity supporters, have opposed the request, labeling it political persecution that would be illegitimate under Spanish law. They argue his wealth stems from a $250 million stock sale to his family, owners of Cox Communications, and that his donations have supported various projects globally.
Minister of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration Elma Saiz described the council of ministers' decision as "purely procedural." However, sources close to the council indicated there was debate, with five ministers from the leftwing coalition Sumar pushing back against the request. Chambers' legal team is also pursuing an asylum claim in Spain, which, if granted, would legally prevent his extradition. Additionally, a request for his release on bond while the case is resolved is awaiting a judge's decision.
Human rights lawyer Baltasar Garzón, leading Chambers' defense, stated the decision "sets a dangerous precedent regarding the defense of the Palestinian cause." Ione Belarra, secretary-general of Podemos, criticized the government for "giving the green light for Trump’s political persecution to proceed to the courts," calling Chambers the "first political prisoner in Spanish history being imprisoned because of his support for Palestine."