Spain Advances US Extradition Request for Pro-Palestinian Millionaire, Sparking Coalition Outrage

The Spanish government has approved moving forward with a US extradition request for American millionaire James Cox Chambers, a vocal pro-Palestinian activist and self-described communist. Chambers, 41, was arrested in Ibiza on July 10 and is currently held in pre-trial detention in Madrid. The decision has ignited fierce opposition within Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's coalition government, particularly from far-left partners who accuse the government of acting on political motives.

Chambers, heir to the Cox Enterprises media fortune, reportedly sold his stake in the family business for $250 million in 2023. His lawyers state he has donated over $1 million to "humanitarian causes in the Gaza Strip" and funded legal expenses for members of Palestine Action, a group designated as terrorist by the US and UK for actions against companies linked to Israel. The US has not publicly detailed the charges, but his lawyers claim they involve money laundering and conspiracy.

Far-left parties within the Spanish government, including Sumar, argue that the extradition request is politically motivated, especially given Spain's pro-Palestinian stance, which has already strained relations with the Trump administration. They contend that Spanish law prohibits extradition if the request is deemed political. Chambers' lawyer has also warned that his extradition could set a dangerous precedent in Europe and has filed an asylum request on his behalf.

Adding to the controversy, over 150 celebrities and activists, including actor Richard Gere and climate activist Greta Thunberg, have signed a petition urging Spain to halt the extradition process. The Spanish government has clarified that the approval to advance the request is purely procedural and a final decision will be made after judicial proceedings conclude, with court hearings expected in the coming weeks.