Former imam convicted of terrorism applies for release on compassionate grounds

Court documents indicate that Hamza’s lawyers plan to seek his release from solitary confinement or even his outright release

DENVER, Colorado – A former imam serving a life sentence in a U.S. prison has filed a new request for release on compassionate grounds due to his poor health.

Abu Hamza, who was convicted of terrorist acts, has claimed that his health has deteriorated due to several bouts of COVID -19.

Hamza, 65, was convicted of terrorism in 2015 after being extradited from the United Kingdom.

He is held in solitary confinement at ADX Florence, a maximum-security prison in Colorado.

Court documents indicate that Hamza’s lawyers plan to seek his release from solitary confinement or even his outright release.

They argue that the prison conditions are draconian and have contributed to his deteriorating health.

Hamza’s attorney, Michael Bachrach, said they would file the appeal by Oct. 31 and await the U.S. government’s response.

Abu Hamza, formerly imam of the Finsbury Park Mosque, was extradited to the U.S. in 2012 on terrorism charges including the 1998 kidnapping of Yemeni tourists.

He was also accused of supporting terrorists and attempting to establish a terrorist training camp in Oregon.

Previous attempts to appeal his extradition were unsuccessful.

Hamza currently spends 23 hours a day in a tiny, windowless solitary cell.

In sentencing Hamza, Judge Katherine Forrest noted that he showed no remorse for his actions and that he continues to pose a danger to the world after his eventual release.