Italy has charged a man wanted by the London police in connection with the failed bombing attempts on the London underground on 21 July. The suspect, known in Italy as Hamdi Issac, but called Osman Hussain in the United Kingdom, is charged with crimes in connection with international terrorism and for using false documents.

London is hoping that Italy will return the suspect to the United Kingdom under the terms of the European arrest warrant agreement, which Italy ratified only days before Issac was arrested.

London must first complete documentation to substantiate its request for the return of Issac to London and then Italy has 60 days from the date of his arrest on 29 July to come to a decision on the merits of the case.

According to a report by the Italian news agency ANSA only partial documentation has been received from London so far. Given that the man involved is known by two different names in each country, identification of the suspect may slow proceedings.

Italy had to bring charges against Issac within 24 hours of his arrest or release him, but the fact that he now has to answer charges in Italy may slow extradition proceedings. The terrorist-connected charges are not in contradiction with requests from London for the return of the suspect, but the one for the use of false documents may slow proceedings. In addition the judicial hearings may be delayed because the summer holidays in Italy are now underway.

The man, two of whose relations living in Italy have also been arrested for using false documents, has said that he will oppose requests for his return to the United Kingdom.