Release of Abu Qatada is ‘very concerning’ - Attorney General

THE Attorney General has admitted the UK Government is “very concerned” about the impending release of radical Muslim cleric Abu Qatada.

Dominic Grieve said efforts to ensure his deportation to Jordan, without breaching his human rights, were ongoing. Mr Justice Mitting ordered the release of Qatada, who was once described as “Osama bin Laden’s right-hand man in Europe” in a special court hearing yesterday.

Mr Grieve said the Government was bound by the rule of law “as much as anybody else”.

“The Government is obviously very concerned about this case and very much wishes to see Abu Qatada deported to Jordan and, when he is in Jordan, tried fairly if the Jordanian authorities wish to put him on trial,” he added.

“He cannot be deported unless the assurances which are required following the judgment in the European Court of Human Rights can be secured.

”Qatada will be released after a safe house is found by MI5. He will be on strict bail conditions and only allowed out of his home for two hours a day. The UK Government wants to deport him to Jordan but must first ensure evidence gained through torture is not used against him by the Jordanian authorities, denying him his right to a fair trial.