A British environmental activist was due to fly to the United States today to face trial for disrupting a test of the controversial US missile defence system in California in July.
Bill Nandris, 32, from North London and who works for Greenpeace, is one of 17 protesters from several countries being charged with conspiracy to violate a safety zone.
The defendants, who allegedly tried to delay the test-firing of a missile interceptor system by riding inflatable boats into a zone of the Pacific Ocean where the test was due to take place, face up to six years in prison.
Greenpeace say Mr Nandris and nine other non-US protestors spent six days in jail after their arrest before being bailed to return to face charges. One activist, from India, was held for 10 days after prosecutors alleged his passport was faked.
Mr Nandris told Reutersthat though he could not be extradited from Britain to face the charges he was determined to return to the US to stand up for his beliefs.
"We want to have our day in court. First of all to air the missile defence issue and secondly because these are unwarranted and very severe charges for a peaceful protest," Mr Nandris said.
"I feel I have to stand up and clear my name and I still feel strongly about the issue. The missile defence system will encourage a new nuclear arms race," he said.