Jailed cleric Hamza appeals against convictions

LONDON, Oct 31: Jailed Islamic cleric Abu Hamza al-Masri begins a legal challenge against his convictions for inciting racial hatred and soliciting murder.

Egyptian-born Hamza, 48, was jailed for seven years in February after being found guilty of 11 of 15 charges.

The charges mostly referred to sermons he delivered in the late 1990s.

His lawyers argued yesterday that the length of time between the speeches and his trial made it impossible for him to have a fair hearing.

When he was granted permission for the appeal earlier this year, Lord Justice Igor Judge warned he did not want to raise Hamza's hopes.

However, he said the court did consider there were a number of appeal grounds which were ''arguable.'' The appeal is expected to last at least two days, with judgment likely to be given in writing at a later date.

Hamza is also wanted on separate terrorism charges in the United States where he has been indicted on 11 counts, including having a role in a 1998 kidnap in Yemen and trying to help al Qaeda set up a ''terrorist training camp'' in Oregon.

REUTERS