Fergie Chambers extradition: 12 changes after Ibiza arrest

Twelve disputed changes to US documents after an arrest on the Spanish island of Ibiza: Fergie Chambers’ lawyers say the translations could affect whether he is extradited. Spain’s National Court considers the US request in Madrid on Friday. Chambers, a pro-Palestinian American philanthropist, was arrested in July and has since been held in a prison in Aranjuez, near Madrid.

What his lawyers say changed

One translation turns “direct action” into “direct violence”, according to Chambers’ lawyers. They say three fires linked to protests against US company Elbit Systems appear in the translated papers but not the originals. They also say the “activation” of smoke canisters became a “detonation”.

The law firm of former judge Baltasar Garzón says it has identified 12 substantial changes. It suspects the most significant could reflect bad faith by the US and could make the allegations appear more serious to the Spanish court. Those are the defence’s claims, not findings by the court.

Three accusations and a rejected release bid

The US accuses Chambers of money laundering, disorder and conspiracy to cause disorder. His lawyers say the disorder allegations concern protests against an Israeli arms manufacturer in the US. They also argue that the money-laundering accusation challenges how the money was used, not where it came from.

Chambers opposes extradition. In October, the National Court refused to release him, citing a risk that he might flee. It found that bail, regular court appearances and surrendering his passport would not be enough. The court has yet to decide whether he will be extradited.

Topics: Court cases · Algaida

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com