Ananova :

Algerian pilot Lotfi Raissi was an instructor for four of the hijackers involved in the September 11 attacks on the US, a London court has heard.

The allegation was made by prosecutor Arvinda Sambir during an extradition hearing at Bow Street Magistrates Court.

The hearing was held after Raissi, originally detained on September 21 by Metropolitan Police anti-terrorism detectives, was re-arrested by police at the request of the US authorities.

District Judge Nicholas Evans ordered that Raissi should remain in custody and appear before the court again on October 5.

Outside court Raissi's solicitor Richard Egan says his client was subject to a US government request for his arrest on charges of giving false information.

"Whether that is the full extent of their request remains to be seen.

"He adamantly denied any involvement in the recent appalling tragedy and he is confident he will be absolved of all involvement."

The FBI wants him to be extradited to the US for questioning about his alleged role in the attacks.

Relatives say he has flown jets in the US for several years and was undergoing further training at Heathrow.

Police spent two days searching his ground floor flat in Berkshire and took a number of items away for further examination, including flying manuals.

Raissi is one of at least 20 people arrested across Europe as part of a co-ordinated effort to crack down on cells of what may be a network of terror stretching across the continent and beyond.

Story filed: 12:17 Friday 28th September 2001

• Criminal investigation
• Algeria
• Terrorism
• US terror attacks
• Crime
• UK

• Terrorism
• Criminal investigation
• US terror attacks

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