Homeland Security

DATE=8/1/2005

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=ITALY/TERRORISM (L-Only)

NUMBER=2-326324

BYLINE=SABINA CASTELFRANCO

DATELINE=ROME

HEADLINE: London Bombing Suspect Held in Rome to be Tried Under Anti-Terrorism Laws

INTRO: An Italian judge has ruled that a man arrested in Italy for alleged involvement in the failed July 21st bombings in London will be charged under Italy's new anti-terrorism laws. The Ethiopian-born British citizen is being held in a Rome prison. Sabina Castelfranco reports from Rome.

TEXT: Hamdi Isaac has been charged with association aimed at international terrorism and with possession of false documents.

A package of recently adopted anti-terrorism laws includes a measure that extended the length of time a suspect can be held and questioned without charge.

/// ACT DE STEFANO, ITALIAN FADE UNDER ///

The head of Italy's anti-terrorism police forces, Carlo De Stefano, said Monday, investigators do not think 27-year-old Hamdi Isaac belonged to a structured organization with broad terrorist projects.

But his Italian lawyer, Antonietta Sonnessa, confirmed he would have to answer to charges of international terrorism.

/// ACT SONNESSA, ITALIAN FADE UNDER ///

She said she would appeal the judge's decision. She says Mr. Hamdi does not consider himself a terrorist and did not intend to kill anyone.

Italian authorities arrested Mr. Hamdi on Friday, the same day British authorities arrested two other suspects in the failed July 21st bombing attempts on London's underground and a city bus. Those attempted attacks came two weeks after attacks on the city's transport system by four suicide bombers that killed 52 people.

British authorities say the July 21st attacks did not cause casualties because explosives carried by the four would-be bombers failed to detonate.

According to Italian media reports, Mr. Hamdi has also said his group was not linked to either al-Qaida or the cell that carried out the deadly July 7th bombings in London.

Immediately after Mr. Hamdi's arrest, Britain requested his extradition. Police say a decision on the issue would be made soon. Italian authorities have up to 60 days to rule on an extradition request.

/// ACT SONNESSA, ITALIAN FADE UNDER ///

Mr. Hamdi's lawyer indicated he could resist extradition.

Mr. Hamdi was questioned in prison again on Monday. His lawyer said he has been answering questions put to him by anti-terrorism prosecutors, and he has admitted to his role in the failed July 21st bombing attempts.

Two of Mr. Hamdi's brothers have also been arrested in Italy. Investigators say neither is linked to terror activities.

/// OPT /// Remzi Isaac, in whose Rome apartment Mr. Hamdi was hiding when he was arrested, has been charged with possessing false documents. And, Fati Isaac, who was picked up Sunday in the northern industrial city of Brescia, was accused of destroying or hiding documents sought by investigators.

/// ACT RICCI, ITALIAN FADE UNDER // OPT ACT ///

Lawyer Stefano Ricci, who is assisting Fati Isaac, said his client was interrogated, and answered questions in a tranquil manner. /// END OPT ///

Italian authorities have been trying to gather as much information as possible on any terrorist plans to strike in Italy. Mr. De Stefano said Monday that the risk of a terror attack in Italy is real. (SIGNED)

NEB/SC/TW/KBK