18/02/2009

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.

The 47-year-old, who is one of Europe's most influential extremists, was once described as Osama Bin Laden's 'right hand man' in Europe.

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said she was "delighted" with the ruling which she said 'vindicated' the Government's efforts to remove Qatada.

She said: "I'm delighted the threat these individuals pose to our nation's security and vindicates our efforts to remove them.

"My top priority is to protect public safety and ensure national security and I have signed Abu Qatada's deportation order which will be served on him today.

"I am keen to deport this dangerous individual as soon as I can."

Qatada - who was born in Bethlehem as Omar Mahmoud Mohammed Othman - is currently being held in Belmarsh high security prison after an immigration court last year ruled there was a risk he could break his bail conditions.

He has been convicted in Jordan in his absence of conspiracy to carry out bomb attacks on two hotels in Amman in 1998, and also of providing finance and advice for another planned series of bombings.

(JM/KMcA)

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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.
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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.
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.
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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.