Trump administration accused of altering translation of request to extradite wealthy leftwing activist

Key Points:

• Attorneys for James “Fergie” Chambers accuse the Trump administration of deliberately altering the English-to-Spanish translations in its extradition request to Spain, adding words like “violent,” “detonate,” and “fires” that exaggerate the charges against him.
• Chambers faces extradition over alleged support for Hamas, linked to accusations of money laundering and funding activists involved in 2023 protests against Israeli weapons manufacturer Elbit Systems.
• His legal team has filed a request with Spain’s National Court for a new translation and to recognize the US's “bad faith” actions, as his extradition hearing is set for 13 November.
• The case lacks an indictment and relies solely on an FBI agent’s affidavit, with translations making non-violent protests appear as violent crimes, raising concerns about the fairness and legality of the extradition process.
• Chambers, a leftwing donor and heir to Cox Enterprises, has applied for political asylum in Spain, which could block extradition; the Spanish court must decide within three days after the hearing, with the government able to review the decision before national elections.