February 5, 2002, AFP, Philippines court rules arrest of Muslim leader Misuari is legal,

February 5, 2002, AFP, Philippines court rules arrest of Muslim leader Misuari is legal,
Tuesday 5:42 pm

MANILA, Feb 5 (AFP) -

Renegade Muslim leader Nur Misuari's arrest is legal, the Philippines Supreme Court ruled Tuesday, dashing the defendant's bid for freedom ahead of his trial for rebellion.

The court threw out Misuari's petition to have his arrest last month ruled invalid, ruling that he had failed to convince the justices that he was denied due process and that the charges filed against him are illegal.

Malaysia deported the 60 year-old former separatist guerrilla leader last month, 45 days after he fled to the Malaysian state of Sabah following a failed armed rebellion by his followers.

The uprising claimed more than 100 lives in his southern island stronghold of Jolo in November.

Misuari has since alleged that Filipino police abducted him in Kuala Lumpur. He denies the rebellion charges against him, but faces 20 years in prison if convicted.