10/10/2012
Appeal Judge Says Qatada Evidence 'Extremely Thin'
A judge reviewing the decision to deport Jordanian terror suspect Abu Qatada has said his links to an alleged bomb plot look to be "extremely thin".
The judge said the "only evidence" of a link was that Abu Qatada had paid $5,000 (£3,100) for a computer.
Mr Justice Mitting's comments came as the preacher began what may be the last appeal in his seven-year legal battle.
The UK says Qatada is a threat to security but his lawyers question Jordanian assurances over torture evidence.
They are challenging the home secretary's decision to order his deportation at the hearing, which is expected to last eight days.
Abu Qatada, who is not attending the hearing in central London, has been accused of involvement in a plot to cause explosions on western and Israeli targets in Jordan to coincide with the millennium celebrations.
He has been found guilty by a court in his absence but if returned to Jordan the conviction will be set aside so a retrial can take place.
(H)
The judge said the "only evidence" of a link was that Abu Qatada had paid $5,000 (£3,100) for a computer.
Mr Justice Mitting's comments came as the preacher began what may be the last appeal in his seven-year legal battle.
The UK says Qatada is a threat to security but his lawyers question Jordanian assurances over torture evidence.
They are challenging the home secretary's decision to order his deportation at the hearing, which is expected to last eight days.
Abu Qatada, who is not attending the hearing in central London, has been accused of involvement in a plot to cause explosions on western and Israeli targets in Jordan to coincide with the millennium celebrations.
He has been found guilty by a court in his absence but if returned to Jordan the conviction will be set aside so a retrial can take place.
(H)
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03 December 2012
Home Secretary Launches Appeal Over Abu Qatada
The Home Secretary has applied for permission to launch an appeal in the ongoing dispute regarding the future of Jordanian terror suspect Abu Qatada. Theresa May has lodged papers with the civil appeals office at the Court of Appeal ahead of a deadline later.
Home Secretary Launches Appeal Over Abu Qatada
The Home Secretary has applied for permission to launch an appeal in the ongoing dispute regarding the future of Jordanian terror suspect Abu Qatada. Theresa May has lodged papers with the civil appeals office at the Court of Appeal ahead of a deadline later.
02 December 2008
Preacher Jailed After 'Bail Breach'
A radical preacher, dubbed as Osama bin Laden's "right-hand-man in Europe", has today been ordered back to prison for breaching the terms of his bail. Abu Qatada, 47, was arrested at his London home in November amid fears he planned to leave Britain to the Middle East.
Preacher Jailed After 'Bail Breach'
A radical preacher, dubbed as Osama bin Laden's "right-hand-man in Europe", has today been ordered back to prison for breaching the terms of his bail. Abu Qatada, 47, was arrested at his London home in November amid fears he planned to leave Britain to the Middle East.
12 November 2012
Abu Qatada Wins Deportation Appeal
Abu Qatada, the radical Muslim cleric, has won his appeal at the Special Immigration Appeals Commission (Siac) and will be released on bail shortly. His appeal was upheld after lawyers claimed he would not get a fair trial in Jordan, where he is accused of plotting bomb attacks.
Abu Qatada Wins Deportation Appeal
Abu Qatada, the radical Muslim cleric, has won his appeal at the Special Immigration Appeals Commission (Siac) and will be released on bail shortly. His appeal was upheld after lawyers claimed he would not get a fair trial in Jordan, where he is accused of plotting bomb attacks.
09 May 2012
Strasbourg Judges To Rule On Abu Qatada Extradition Appeal
Senior judges at the European Court of Human Rights will meet to decide whether radical cleric Abu Qatada can appeal against deportation from the UK.
Strasbourg Judges To Rule On Abu Qatada Extradition Appeal
Senior judges at the European Court of Human Rights will meet to decide whether radical cleric Abu Qatada can appeal against deportation from the UK.
13 February 2012
Abu Qatada To Be Released From Jail
Extremist preacher Abu Qatada is set to be released from Long Lartin prison. Last week the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ruled that the cleric, who has been detained in the high security jail for six years, could be released. Abu Qatada, 51, faces terror charges in Jordan but the ECHR has blocked his deportation.
Abu Qatada To Be Released From Jail
Extremist preacher Abu Qatada is set to be released from Long Lartin prison. Last week the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ruled that the cleric, who has been detained in the high security jail for six years, could be released. Abu Qatada, 51, faces terror charges in Jordan but the ECHR has blocked his deportation.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.