28 Mar 2013

UK to continue fight to deport Muslim cleric

11:46 am on 28 March 2013

The British government says it remains determined to deport a radical Muslim cleric despite failing in its latest attempt to have him sent back to Jordan.

Abu Qatada is wanted in Jordan after having been convicted of terrorism charges in 1999.

British Home Secretary Theresa May acted after the Special Immigration Appeals Commission said the cleric could not be returned to Jordan.

Judges say he could face an unfair trial involving evidence obtained by torturing others.

The Home Office said it would further appeal and in the meantime would continue to work with Jordan to address the outstanding legal issues preventing deportation.

The judges said the court accepted that Qatada "is regarded as a very dangerous person" but that was not "a relevant consideration" under human rights laws.

He has never been charged with an offence in the UK.

Abu Qatada was re-arrested and returned to Belmarsh prison earlier this month following an alleged breach of bail conditions concerning the use of communications equipment at his home.

The Metropolitan Police said his breach was linked to an investigation into extremist internet material.