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11/10/2012
UK Asked Jordan To Pardon Qatada Court Hears
It has emerged in court that the British government asked the Jordanian authorities to consider pardoning radical cleric Abu Qatada.
However, Jordan said that would not be possible and he would have to stand trial there.
Jordan also refused a UK request to ensure evidence from torture was not used against him, a judge heard.
Abu Qatada is challenging an order for his deportation to Jordan, an order granted by Home Secretary Theresa May.
Anthony Layden, the former British ambassador to Libya who specialises in negotiating diplomatic assurances, gave evidence at the hearing and revealed details of the talks held in Jordan.
Under cross-examination by Edward Fitzgerald QC, for Abu Qatada, Mr Layden agreed that James Brokenshire, the then security minister, explored the possibility of a pardon for Qatada
Mr Layden said: "I think the question of a pardon had been asked earlier and Mr Brokenshire was asking for an answer."
The pardon was being sought because the evidence against Qatada was "granted by torture", he agreed.
Mr Justice Mitting is hearing the case at a Special Immigration Appeals Commission in the UK, which is expected to last eight days.
(H)
However, Jordan said that would not be possible and he would have to stand trial there.
Jordan also refused a UK request to ensure evidence from torture was not used against him, a judge heard.
Abu Qatada is challenging an order for his deportation to Jordan, an order granted by Home Secretary Theresa May.
Anthony Layden, the former British ambassador to Libya who specialises in negotiating diplomatic assurances, gave evidence at the hearing and revealed details of the talks held in Jordan.
Under cross-examination by Edward Fitzgerald QC, for Abu Qatada, Mr Layden agreed that James Brokenshire, the then security minister, explored the possibility of a pardon for Qatada
Mr Layden said: "I think the question of a pardon had been asked earlier and Mr Brokenshire was asking for an answer."
The pardon was being sought because the evidence against Qatada was "granted by torture", he agreed.
Mr Justice Mitting is hearing the case at a Special Immigration Appeals Commission in the UK, which is expected to last eight days.
(H)
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10 October 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.
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.
14 June 2013
Qatada Deportation Saga Has Cost UK Over £1.7m
The UK has spent more than £1.7 million so far, in its efforts to remove radical cleric Abu Qatada. A letter from Theresa May to MPs has revealed that since 2005, the cost to the UK has been £1,716,306. Abu Qatada has been fighting against a deportation order to Jordan, where he faces retrial for bomb attacks.
Qatada Deportation Saga Has Cost UK Over £1.7m
The UK has spent more than £1.7 million so far, in its efforts to remove radical cleric Abu Qatada. A letter from Theresa May to MPs has revealed that since 2005, the cost to the UK has been £1,716,306. Abu Qatada has been fighting against a deportation order to Jordan, where he faces retrial for bomb attacks.
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.
18 February 2009
Abu Qatada Can Be Deported, Law Lords Rule
Radical cleric Abu Qatada is to be deported to Jordan, despite fears he may be tortured, the House of Lords has ruled. Five Lords unanimously threw out Qatada's appeal against returning to Jordan, where he faces jail for terrorism.
Abu Qatada Can Be Deported, Law Lords Rule
Radical cleric Abu Qatada is to be deported to Jordan, despite fears he may be tortured, the House of Lords has ruled. Five Lords unanimously threw out Qatada's appeal against returning to Jordan, where he faces jail for terrorism.
02 July 2013
Jordan's Official Gazette Publishes UK Treaty
The Jordian government's Official Gazette has printed the treaty between the country and the UK, which paves the way for the deportation of Abu Qatada. The publication of the treaty is part of the official process towards ratifying the document. An exchange of diplomatic letters will happen next.
Jordan's Official Gazette Publishes UK Treaty
The Jordian government's Official Gazette has printed the treaty between the country and the UK, which paves the way for the deportation of Abu Qatada. The publication of the treaty is part of the official process towards ratifying the document. An exchange of diplomatic letters will happen next.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
