A European court says thata Muslim cleric with ties to Al-Queda can be extradited to the U.S. to face charges. Abu Hamza Masri is accused of attempting to set up a terrorist training camp in Klamath County, near Bly.
Abu Hamza Masri could soon be headed to New York to face multiple charges of conspiracy to commit terrorism. Al-Queda supporters were allegedly attempting to set up a terrorist training camp in the late 1990’s on a ranch just east of Bly.
Investigators say that Semi Osman was scouting the area for Masri – but Bly resident Steve Leonardo still isn’t convinced that Osman posed a threat…
“No – they were no threat at all. He was an Imam, he was a holy man of the Islam faith. But the only reason he was involved with these people is because he was, I guess he was out of Seattle and knew these people.”
Dean Lawrence had also met Osman…
“He’d come in, talk once in a while. Other than the funny little beanie he wore, he seemed all right.”
Regulars at the Coyote Cafe say the experience hasn’t changed the way they deal with strangers. “no, not at all.” Says Cale Lawrence. “I treat everybody like I want to be treated.”
Thomas Manes agrees…
“No – this is a friendly town. Everybody’s nice here.”
“No, not really.” Adds Dean Lawrence. “Maybe it did for a while, but no.”
The terrorist training camp never materialized, and Steve Leonardo doubts that it ever would have…
“People did come down here and check this area, but this is no area for a terrorist camp. It’s too close to town, and everybody in town knows what’s going on.”
Masri never visited the camp in Bly, but his alleged connection could keep him behind bars for a long time.
Abu Hamza Masri has preached sermons praising the attacks of 9/11, and has also called for the stoning of gay people.
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