Spain has allowed a US extradition request against American activist and donor James “Fergie” Chambers to proceed to the country’s courts, the Irish Times reports.
Chambers, who lived in Dublin with his family for more than a year, was arrested in Ibiza on July 10th following a request from US authorities. He is currently being held in prison in Madrid.
The 41-year-old is accused by US authorities of money laundering, riot and conspiracy to riot, with the case also involving allegations that money he transferred to Tunisia was used to support Hamas.
Chambers denies wrongdoing.
His legal team says the money was used to support humanitarian projects, including aid for Palestinians in Gaza, as well as a Tunisian football club.
The Spanish Council of Ministers agreed on Tuesday to allow the US extradition request to continue through the Spanish justice system.
The decision was described by Spain's Minister for Inclusion, Social Security and Migration Elma Saiz as a procedural step. It does not mean that Chambers will be extradited to the US. The case will now go through the Spanish courts before a final decision is made.
It is believed to be the first known case in which the US has sought the extradition of a citizen over alleged support for Hamas. The exact details of the US indictment remain sealed.
According to reports, the US case centres on around $7.5 million that Chambers transferred from a US bank account to Tunisia several years ago.
His defence team says the money was used to fund Club Africain, a Tunisian football club, including paying debts and wages, rebuilding a training centre and developing youth football facilities.
Chambers has also donated money to humanitarian projects around the world, including the Sameer Project in Gaza.
His lawyers and supporters have argued that the extradition request is politically motivated because of his support for Palestinian causes. Under Spanish law, an extradition can be rejected if it is considered politically motivated.
Chambers moved away from the US in 2023 and spent some time living in Tunisia before settling in Dublin with his family.
His wealth comes from a settlement with his family in 2023, when he sold shares worth around $250 million back to his family, who own Atlanta-based Cox Communications. His donations have since supported projects in countries around the world.
His case has attracted support from several politicians and public figures in Spain, while members of the country's Sumar coalition have opposed the extradition request.
Chambers' lawyer, human rights attorney Baltasar Garzón, has described the case as an example of political persecution. That is a claim made by the defence and has not been established by a court.
Chambers has also applied for asylum in Spain. His lawyer says this means he cannot be extradited while the asylum process is ongoing.
A further request for Chambers to be released on bail is also awaiting a decision.
For now, Chambers remains in custody in Madrid while the Spanish legal process continues.
