Madrid – Spain’s socialist‑led cabinet authorized a US extradition request on Tuesday for American media heir James Cox Chambers, a vocal pro‑Palestinian activist. The decision, made by the Council of Ministers, comes despite objections from the junior coalition partner, Sumar, which argues the case is politically motivated.
Background and legal context
Chambers, 41, was detained in Ibiza on July 10 at the request of US authorities and is now held in pre‑trial detention in Madrid. Under Spanish law, extradition cannot proceed if a request is deemed politically motivated, a point emphasized by Sumar and Chambers’ legal team.
The US Department of Justice has not disclosed the specific charges, but Chambers’ attorneys say they include money‑laundering and conspiracy to commit disorderly conduct. The US government has declined to comment further.
Trump administration response
The Trump administration, which has repeatedly criticized Spain’s pro‑Palestinian policies, welcomed the extradition move. A White House spokesperson noted that the United States expects allies to uphold the rule of law and not shield individuals who call for the destruction of the United States.
“We appreciate Spain’s commitment to legal cooperation with the United States,” the spokesperson said. “This case underscores the importance of respecting American sovereignty and security interests.”
Political controversy in Spain
Chambers, a self‑described anti‑imperialist and communist, has used interviews and social media to call for the destruction of the United States. He inherited $250 million after divesting from his family’s media conglomerate, Cox Enterprises, in 2023, according to his spokesperson.
He has donated more than $1 million to humanitarian aid in Gaza and funded legal fees for members of the activist group Palestine Action, which the US and UK have designated as a terrorist organization for targeting Israel‑linked defence firms.
Critics in Spain, including 150 prominent activists and celebrities such as Richard Gere, Greta Thunberg and Fatima Bhutto, signed a letter urging the government to halt the extradition. They argue the case is an attempt to criminalize humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people.
Legal proceedings ahead
Chambers’ lawyer, Baltasar Garzón, has filed an asylum application in Spain, claiming the extradition would set a dangerous precedent for Europe if the Trump administration were allowed to criminalize aid to Palestinians. Government spokesperson Elma Saiz described the decision to advance the case as “purely procedural,” adding that a final determination will follow the court’s ruling.
A hearing date is expected in the coming weeks, according to a court spokesperson.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
