MADRID – Spain formally asked Friday for the extradition of one of the alleged masterminds behind the 11 March train bombings who was arrested in Italy earlier in the week.

The Spanish government demanded the extradition of Rabei Osman Ahmed el Sayed, 33, because of the suspect’s “significant role” in the attacks.

The bombings left 192 people dead and more than 1,500 injured.

Spanish government spokeswoman Maria Teresa Fernandez de la Vega announced the extradition request Friday.

Egyptian-born Rabei, 32, was arrested Monday in Milan, northern Italy, along with two other suspects.

The Spanish judge in charge of the investigation, Juan del Olmo, issued an international arrest warrant for Rabei, who has been nicknamed “Mohammed the Egyptian,” the day after his arrest.

Fifteen Islamic radicals were also arrested in Belgium Monday as part of an international operation against those linked to the Madrid bombings.
  
[Copyright EFE with Expatica]

Subject: Spanish news