British authorities say they have arrested a radical Muslim cleric accused of strong ties to Al-Qaeda and will resume proceedings to deport him to his native Jordan.
Authorities have been trying to deport Abu Qatada since 2005, saying he poses a risk to national security.
In January, the European Court of Human Rights blocked Qatada’s deportation to Jordan, where he faces terrorism charges, saying evidence obtained by torture might be used against him.
Home Secretary Theresa May said on April 17 that she had received assurances from Amman that the 51-year-old would have his rights respected in any retrial in Jordan, but she admitted it may take "many months."
The Palestinian-Jordanian cleric spent more than six years in prison.
He has been described as a leading Al-Qaeda figure in Europe with ties to the late Osama bin Laden.
Authorities have been trying to deport Abu Qatada since 2005, saying he poses a risk to national security.
In January, the European Court of Human Rights blocked Qatada’s deportation to Jordan, where he faces terrorism charges, saying evidence obtained by torture might be used against him.
Home Secretary Theresa May said on April 17 that she had received assurances from Amman that the 51-year-old would have his rights respected in any retrial in Jordan, but she admitted it may take "many months."
The Palestinian-Jordanian cleric spent more than six years in prison.
He has been described as a leading Al-Qaeda figure in Europe with ties to the late Osama bin Laden.