NEW YORK: The trial of Abu Hamza, a radical Islamic preacher extradited from the UK, began on Monday in a New York Court with jury selection.

He faces charges of terrorism, aiding and abetting Al Qaeda.

US Judge Katherine Forrest has said opening statements were expected on Thursday.

Egyptian-born Hamza, who was indicted under the name Mustafa Kamel Mustafa, denies wrongdoing and plans to testify during the trial. At a pre-trial hearing last week, Hamza told the judge: “I think I am innocent. I need to go through it, have a chance to defend myself."

Hamza faces charges related to the taking of hostages in Yemen in 1998, supporting Al Qaeda and advocating jihad in Afghanistan.

Hamza has one eye and claims to have lost his hands fighting the Soviets in Afghanistan.

US Prosecutors also say he tried to set up a terrorist training camp in Oregon (US) in 1999.

Hamza’s trial is taking place a month after a jury convicted Sulaiman Abu Ghaith, Osama bin Laden's son-in-law and Al Qaeda's spokesman after the 2001 attacks, of charges that will likely result in a life sentence.