China releases list of wanted terror group leaders

Chinese police called Tuesday for the arrest and extradition to China of the alleged leader of an Islamic terrorist group and seven core members accused of plotting attacks against the Beijing Olympics.

A Public Security Ministry spokesman said the eight men, all Chinese citizens, were believed to have financed, incited and organized attacks during and around the Aug. 8-24 games as part of an ongoing insurgency against Chinese rule in the traditionally Muslim west.

Wu Heping told reporters at a news briefing that the men were members of the East Turkestan Islamic Movement, a murky collection of extremists believed to be based across the border in lawless areas of Pakistan and Afghanistan.

The eight “seriously threatened the security of the Beijing Olympic Games and China’s social stability,” Wu said.