COPENHAGEN: Norway’s justice minister says an Iraqi-born cleric suspected of enticing recruits to fight in Iraq and Syria will be extradited if a court in Italy convicts him.
Norwegian newspaper Nettavisen reported Saturday that Najmaddin Faraj Ahmad’s trial is scheduled to start Wednesday without the Norway-based cleric known as Mullah Krekar being physically present in court.
Italian prosecutors allege that Krekar is behind Rawti Shax, a European network aimed at violently overthrowing the government in the Kurdistan region of Iraq and replacing it with a radical caliphate.
Krekar has denied the allegations.
Norwegian Justice Minister Per-Willy Amundsen told Nettavisen that Krekar should be sent to Italy, if he is found guilty.
Krekar tried to fight a previous extradition request from Italy, which courts in Norway approved before the request was withdrawn.
Norwegian newspaper Nettavisen reported Saturday that Najmaddin Faraj Ahmad’s trial is scheduled to start Wednesday without the Norway-based cleric known as Mullah Krekar being physically present in court.
Italian prosecutors allege that Krekar is behind Rawti Shax, a European network aimed at violently overthrowing the government in the Kurdistan region of Iraq and replacing it with a radical caliphate.
Krekar has denied the allegations.
Norwegian Justice Minister Per-Willy Amundsen told Nettavisen that Krekar should be sent to Italy, if he is found guilty.
Krekar tried to fight a previous extradition request from Italy, which courts in Norway approved before the request was withdrawn.
