A Muslim cleric wanted by the United States is to be tried in Britain first, the BBC reports.
British prosecution of Abu Hamza al-Masri blocks U.S. efforts to extradite him to face terrorism charges. Officials told the BBC the British investigation was already under way when the United States requested extradition.
Hamza, an Egyptian native who has lived in London for 25 years, preached at a mosque in North London. He was arrested in May when the United State applied for extradition and has been in custody ever since. The BBC says the Crown Prosecution Service confirmed police have been advised Hamza will be formally charged but did not detail the exact charges expected.
Hamza denies encouraging terrorism.
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