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)

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