Spain’s high court held a hearing Friday on the Trump administration’s extradition request for US citizen James Chambers, a wealthy philanthropist and leftwing activist. The case marks the first known instance of the US seeking to extradite a citizen over alleged Hamas support, charges apparently connected to international money laundering allegations and donations to Palestinian aid organizations in Gaza.
Chambers’s defense team used most of the two-hour session to challenge irregularities in the extradition request and present alternative explanations for his actions. The defendant addressed the charges for the first time since his July arrest in Ibiza, discussing 2023 protests against Israeli weapons manufacturer Elbit in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, as well as $7.2 million in transfers to Tunisia, where he resided at the time. A financial expert testified regarding the transfers, and Chambers characterized his foundation’s work as supporting humanitarian projects across multiple countries. According to his partner, the foundation has funded approximately 100 progressive and humanitarian initiatives in 20 countries.
Two of the three charges against Chambers relate to the late-2023 Elbit protests. He described his participation as including civil disobedience tactics, street marching, and paying bail for protesters later convicted of misdemeanor charges. Regarding the $7.2 million, defense evidence indicated most transfers funded Club Africain, described as one of Africa’s largest football clubs, and a sporting business Chambers established while in Tunisia. When asked whether any money went to terrorist activities, the financial expert witness responded negatively.
The prosecutor presented a contrasting narrative, characterizing Chambers as backing organized illegal activities aimed repeatedly at causing material damage. The prosecutor argued the Elbit actions were planned and contained violent elements, despite defense characterization of them as protest activities. The Spanish court is scheduled to decide on the extradition next week, with Spain’s council of ministers retaining authority to reverse any affirmative court decision. The timing potentially places the decision among final actions under socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez before national elections.
Chambers, who sold approximately $250 million in family business stock in mid-2023 and subsequently established a foundation, stated he has never contacted or financed terrorist organizations. A documentary about Chambers, titled All About the Money, premiered in New York around the hearing’s timing.
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