A British court has heard that a man sought by the FBI for over two decades, recently discovered in Wales, could face coercion into a criminal group if returned to the USA. Daniel Andreas San Diego, a suspected terrorist and a key figure on the FBI’s wanted list for bombings in San Francisco in 2003, was located in North Wales last November, living under an assumed identity in a rural setting near woodland.
The extradition hearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court will determine whether San Diego will be repatriated to the United States. Mark Summers KC, his defense counsel, argued in written statements that prolonged imprisonment in a US Bureau of Prisons facility could expose San Diego to severe violence without adequate protection. According to Summers, joining criminal gangs, particularly white supremacist groups like the Aryan Brotherhood, may be the only means of safeguarding San Diego in the penitentiary system.
Nicole English, a former US Bureau of Prisons employee, testified that San Diego, due to his lack of experience in inmate interactions, would be at risk in a prison setting. Summers proposed that an alternative of long-term protective custody could result in prolonged isolation, which he deemed as oppressive and potentially violating human rights.
In response, Joel Smith KC, representing the US government, highlighted that prison staff are available for individuals seeking protection and mentioned an increase in prison funding by the US government this year. San Diego faces charges related to bombings at Chiron and Shaklee corporations in California in 2003, with the prospect of a lengthy sentence if convicted, as outlined by Mr. Summers during the hearing.
The FBI had previously offered a substantial reward for San Diego’s capture, emphasizing his ties to an animal rights extremist group. The extradition hearing has been postponed until December 8th.
