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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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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11 October 2012
UK Asked Jordan To Pardon Qatada Court Hears
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