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Islamic terrorist Abu Qatada re-arrested in UK
Radical preacher Abu Qatada re-arrested in UK
LONDON (AP) — Extremist preacher Abu Qatada, once called Osama bin Laden‘s ambassador to Europe, faces a hearing Tuesday after being re-arrested in West London.
Abu Qatada was taken into custody over the weekend, apparently for violating his strict bail conditions, according to British newspaper reports.
The prominent terrorist suspect had been freed on bail in June despite government objections, but was confined to his home 22 hours per day and forced to wear an electronic monitoring device at all times.
His case is to be heard Tuesday morning by the Special Immigration Appeals Commission, a spokeswoman said.
“We’re assuming the hearing will be about his bail conditions,” said the spokeswoman, who asked not to be identified because of the commission’s policy.
His bail could be revoked if he is found to have violated his bail conditions, which aim to keep him from having any contact with known terrorists.
He is forbidden to use the Internet, computers, or mobile phones and is specifically prohibited from any contact with bin Laden and his deputy, Ayman al-Zawahiri.
[...]British appeals courts have ruled that Abu Qatada cannot be deported to Jordan because he could face torture there. He has been convicted in Jordan for his role in two bombings.
Arrested Qatada to face hearing
According to sources close to the family, police entered Mr Qatada’s home and arrested him shortly after 7am on Saturday morning.
The BBC understands that the cleric was taken to Belmarsh high security prison in south-east London, where he was accused of a possible breach of his exceptionally strict bail conditions.
These include wearing an electronic tag, not attending a mosque nor leading prayers, and staying in his home for up 22 hours a day.
He is allowed out for two hours – but in one hour blocks to prevent him travelling too far from his home.
Mr Qatada’s is not allowed to use a mobile phone or the internet. Among the people he is banned from meeting is Osama bin Laden.
Officials have confirmed the arrest was made after a court order rescinded his bail on Friday, but they have not given any reasons.
Mr Qatada was released after the Court of Appeal ruled he could not be deported to Jordan because the conviction, in his absence, could be based on evidence obtained under torture.
The Home Office has challenged this decision and the case is set to go before the Law Lords.
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