Abu Qatada found not guilty of terrorism offences

A court in Jordan has acquitted radical Muslim preacher Abu Qatada of terrorism charges.

13:40 26 June 2014

Abu Qatada was acquitted by a panel of civilian judges at the State Court in Amman, Jordan of conspiracy to carry out terrorist acts.

 

Meanwhile, a verdict on another alleged plot was adjourned until September. Despite the acquittal, Abu Qatada, who was deported from the UK in July 2013, will not be allowed to return according to the Home Office. 

 

Home Office minister James Brokenshire said: "Abu Qatada's re-trial in Jordan has been made possible thanks to this government's determination to successfully deport him from the UK.

 

"While the courts in Jordan have acquitted [Abu] Qatada of one of the two charges against him, it is right the due process of law is allowed to take place in his own country. We await a verdict on the remaining charge." 

 

A Downing Street spokesman said: "He can't come back and he won't come back to the UK. He is a Jordanian, he does not have a UK passport and would not be granted permission to enter the UK.

 

"The outcome of the thorough work done by the home secretary led to his deportation. The process now is for the Jordanian judicial system."