Terrorist chides Italy extradition attempt

ROME, Nov. 6 (UPI) -- A former terrorist fighting extradition to Italy says the government is pursuing him as a trophy and his life would be in danger if he is sent back.

Cesare Battisti goes before the Brazilian supreme court next week to block attempts to extradite him to Italy where he was convicted in absentia of four murders carried out by leftist militants in the 1970s.

''I risk my life if I go back to Italy,'' Battisti told the Italian news agency ANSA. "I will end up getting hanged in my cell as soon as the media loses interest."

Battisti said Defense Minister Ignazio La Russa in particular had it in for him for "personal and ideological reasons."

ANSA said Friday Battisti is hoping Brazilian President Inacio Lula da Silva will intercede on his behalf if he loses at the supreme court; however, Brazilian media have been saying Lula might not want to risk a clash with the court over Battisti.