Imam accused of recruiting for ISIS terrorist group to be extradited to Spain

A UK-based imam accused of trying to recruit people to fight for Islamic State can be extradited to Spain to stand trial, a court has ruled.

Tarik Chadlioui, 43, was one of six people arrested across Europe on June 28 at the request of investigators on the Mediterranean island of Mallorca.

The Belgian national, from Sparkhill in Birmingham, is wanted by Spanish authorities over a charge of collaboration with, or membership of, an armed group.

They allege he recorded videos encouraging people to fight for the extremist forces in Syria, during two visits to the Balearic island in 2014 and 2015.

He faces a maximum of 20 years in prison if convicted.

The father-of-eight has protested his innocence during earlier hearings at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London.

The court heard claims in September that he had been an “anti-terrorist” preacher for decades and that the videos are anti-jihadist in nature.

Chadlioui, who has lived in Britain for two years, is contesting his extradition under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which guarantees a right to a family life.

He is also contesting the validity of the European Arrest Warrant.

Chief Magistrate Emma Arbuthnot ruled at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London today that he could be sent to Spain.

Mrs Arbuthnot rejected the argument, saying the family were eligible for benefits and could seek help from his mosque.

She added: “At worst, and I accept it might be a hardship, the oldest two children could go out and get jobs – they are 17 and 18 after all.”

She added that Chadlioui’s wife was suffering from “understandable” depression and anxiety, with her three youngest children aged five, two, and five months.

The judge went on: “It may be that she would find her life easier if she were to move back to Belgium with her family where they have lived for many years and where I assume they will be able to obtain the support of friends.”

Source: Express