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Terror Suspect Ordered Back to U.S.
Wednesday, October 9, 2002
By Jasbant Singh
Associated Press Writer

“Every step of my appeal is being blocked by the judge. I sense there is a hidden hand somewhere. It is morally irresponsible how the prosecutors, the Americans are acting.”

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia -- AP
A Malaysian court cleared the way Wednesday to deport a suspected American Islamic militant to the United States, where he faces charges of conspiring to fight alongside al-Qaida in Afghanistan.

Government officials would not say when Ahmed Ibrahim Bilal would be sent home, but the United States and Malaysia expressed eagerness to deport him speedily.

High Court Judge Augustine Paul sided with prosecutors and the U.S. government that Bilal -- whose passport has been revoked by Washington -- is an illegal immigrant in Malaysia and could be summarily deported.

The ruling dashed a defense bid to instigate full-blown extradition proceedings, which could have meant Malaysian courts examining the U.S. case against Bilal and dragging on for months.

Bilal's lawyer, Darshan Singh, voiced fears that his client could “even be deported tonight” and said he would immediately appeal. But he was unable to file before the appellate court offices closed.
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2002 © The Associated Press.

Dan