NYC trial of hooked cleric Hamza coincides with Pesach

The New York trial of hate preacher Abu Hamza coincides with the start of Passover on 14 April, Jewish community leaders have been told in a security briefing by police officials.

The radical cleric, who spent a decade in the UK fighting extradition to the US on terrorism charges, is finally due to go on trial in Manhattan, facing allegations that he controlled a global network of jihadists.

“We are attuned to the possibility that his upcoming trial may inspire more terror,” said NYPD director of intelligence Rebecca Weiner. “It is a major priority for us in the next couple of weeks.”