The US is trying to have British Al Qaeda suspect Babar Ahmad extradited to face charges in Connecticut, but Ahmad’s lawyers are arguing that if he goes before a US military tribunal it would be a denial of his right to a fair trial. Today the US won some more time: U.S. Wins Adjournment in Extradition Case.

Ahmad was indicted in Connecticut in October on charges of supporting terrorism, conspiring to kill Americans and laundering money. U.S. authorities are seeking to have him extradited to stand trial in the United States.

Ahmad is accused of running several Web sites, including Azzam.com, which investigators say was used to recruit al-Qaida, Taliban and Chechen rebel fighters and to outfit them with gas masks, night-vision goggles and camouflage gear.

In an interview with The Associated Press on Wednesday, Hardy alleged that Ahmad had tried to set up a terrorist training camp in Arizona, where he met with Islamic radicals who claimed ties to Osama bin Laden.

Hardy said Ahmad met in Phoenix in 1998 with Yaser Al Jhani, a member of the Islamic mujahedeen militia, and others who claimed to have access to bin Laden. “He expressed an interest in developing a training system in Arizona,” Hardy said. “That is, a training system, in effect for the mujahedeen to visit and train to fight abroad.” He said there was no evidence the camp had ever been established.

British Muslims, however, think Mr. Ahmad has done nothing wrong:

Outside the court, Bilal Patel, spokesman for the Ahmad family, was supported by more than 50 protesters waving banners “Bush terrorist number one” and “Free Babar Ahmad.”

“I think these proceedings are a complete farce,” said Patel. “Why should he be sent to America if he can be charged and tried in the UK?”

Ahmad’s father Ashfaq said his son was not guilty.

“What they said about him is all lies and he has done absolutely nothing. He is not at all a terrorist and I am quite confident he will be a free man.”

A supporter of British-born terror suspect Babar Ahmad, who is facing extradition to the U.S., takes part in a protest outside Bow Street Magistrates Court in London, March 2, 2005. Britain began extradition hearings on Wednesday for Ahmad who is wanted in the U.S. for running terrorist Web sites, but Muslim groups said he should be tried at home. Photo by Toby Melville/Reuters