Pro-Palestine philanthropist faces US extradition hearing in Spain

What the report says

James “Fergie” Chambers, a US philanthropist known for donations to Palestinian causes, is due to face an extradition hearing in Spain as the United States seeks his return on allegations including money laundering and riot-related charges. Al Jazeera reports that Chambers denies wrongdoing and has filed for asylum in Spain, arguing that he is being politically targeted.

The hearing is set before Spain’s National Court in Madrid, which will review evidence from US authorities before a later decision. Chambers was arrested in Ibiza in July after an Interpol Red Notice, according to the report. His wife, actress Stella Schnabel, has asked Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to support his asylum claim, warning that the case could set a wider precedent affecting solidarity with Palestinians.

The US case centers on claims that Chambers routed $7.5 million from a US bank account to Tunisia and that the funds were used to support Hamas. Chambers’s lawyers reject that account, saying the money was intended for a Tunisian football club and related youth facilities. They also argue that translations submitted to Spanish authorities overstated parts of the US complaint, making the allegations appear more serious than the original text.

If the court approves extradition, the defense can appeal and Spain’s Council of Ministers could still block the transfer on political grounds. The case comes amid broader tensions over protests linked to the Gaza war and debates in Europe over asylum, extradition, and political activism.