Terrorism suspect Abu Qatada rejects legitimacy of Jordan court
Radical cleric Abu Qatada has pleaded not guilty to charges of terrorism at a retrial in Jordan, saying he does not recognise the court in which he’s being tried.
Originally sentenced in absence to life imprisonment, Qatada has the right to a retrial under Jordanian law if he is present in the dock.
Qatada was granted asylum in the UK in 1994, then deported in 2013 following his suspected involvement in bombings in 1998 and a foiled terrorist plot in 2000.
His deportation to Jordan was granted on condition that he would be given a fair trial in the country’s controversial State Security Court.
Before deciding Qatada’s fate, senior High Court judges in London heard that Jordan told London three times that the judges in Jordan would be independent and civilian, rather than military.
A treaty was also drawn up banning the use of torture and putting the wheels in motion for Qatada’s deportation.
However, Qatada claims Jordan has broken the terms of their agreement with the UK and refuses to accept the legitimacy of the Jordanian court.
Originally sentenced in absence to life imprisonment, Qatada has the right to a retrial under Jordanian law if he is present in the dock.
Qatada was granted asylum in the UK in 1994, then deported in 2013 following his suspected involvement in bombings in 1998 and a foiled terrorist plot in 2000.
His deportation to Jordan was granted on condition that he would be given a fair trial in the country’s controversial State Security Court.
Before deciding Qatada’s fate, senior High Court judges in London heard that Jordan told London three times that the judges in Jordan would be independent and civilian, rather than military.
A treaty was also drawn up banning the use of torture and putting the wheels in motion for Qatada’s deportation.
However, Qatada claims Jordan has broken the terms of their agreement with the UK and refuses to accept the legitimacy of the Jordanian court.