Spanish prosecutor favors extraditing US media heir for alleged Hamas donations

A Spanish prosecutor has backed the extradition of James Cox Chambers Jr., a US media heir, to the United States on charges including riot and money laundering linked to alleged donations to Hamas. Chambers, who denies the allegations and claims political persecution, was arrested in Ibiza in July 2026. Spain's High Court is expected to rule on the matter in the coming weeks, with the final decision resting with the cabinet. The case has political implications for Spain's government due to its pro-Palestinian stance and tensions with the Trump administration.

A Spanish prosecutor has expressed support for extraditing James Cox Chambers Jr., a US media heir and alleged Hamas donor, to the United States. Chambers, known as Fergie, was arrested in Ibiza on July 10, 2026, at the request of US authorities and has been held since. The extradition request includes charges of riot, conspiracy to commit riot, and international money laundering. The riot charge relates to a 2023 protest targeting Israeli defense firm Elbit Systems in New Hampshire. The US also alleges Chambers sent $7.5 million from the US to a Tunisian bank account, which was then used to support Hamas. Chambers denies wrongdoing, says the money was for sponsoring a Tunisian soccer club and a gym, and has applied for asylum in Spain on grounds of political persecution. His lawyer argues that even those who caused damage in New Hampshire were convicted of misdemeanors, which falls below the extradition treaty threshold. Spain's High Court will rule in coming weeks, with the cabinet making the final decision. The case is politically sensitive for Spain's Socialist-led government, which has a strong pro-Palestinian stance and has faced rebuke from the Trump administration.