Suspect in Mpls. terrorism case fights extradition from Netherlands

A Somali man is fighting extradition to the United States where authorities suspect him of supporting terrorism in his homeland from a base in Minneapolis.

Mohamud Said Omar, 44, has appeared in an open session of a Dutch court for the first time since his arrest at an asylum-seeker's center here last fall.

Lawyer Bart Stapert argue that Omar is innocent and the crimes he is accused of would not be punishable under Dutch law.

A Dutch public prosecutor said in court Monday the U.S. extradition request is valid and Omar should be handed over.

Charges against Omar include providing financial and material support to the Islamist group al-Shabab in Somalia.

Judges will rule in two weeks.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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