Afghan man who escaped France to UK after accusation of 'child rape' fights deportation

An Afghan man who escaped to the UK after allegedly raping a child in France will fight extradition because he might be badly treated in prisons across the Channel. Abdul Ahmadzai, 36, was arrested under the Extradition Act 2003 after a warrant was issued by France "for the rape of a minor".

Ahmadzai appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court wearing grey prison clothes. Katy O'Mara, for Ahmadzai, said the issue at the extradition hearing would be Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which states that "no one shall be subjected to torture or inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment".

His full extradition hearing will take place on September 12.

Judge Timothy King told Ahmadzai: "Your extradition hearing will still take place on September 12. You will appear at this court again at this court on August 14 via video-link.

"You must make sure that you cooperate fully with your lawyer so that work can be done."

Ahmadzai was remanded in custody.