By — Justin Scuiletti Justin Scuiletti Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/cleric-abu-qatada-acquitted-terrorism-charges-jordan Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Radical cleric Abu Qatada acquitted of terrorism charges in Jordan World Sep 24, 2014 11:26 AM EDT A Jordanian court today found radical cleric Abu Qatada not guilty of conspiring to attack tourists during Jordan’s New Year celebrations in 2000, citing insufficient evidence. Abu Qatada was extradited from Britain in 2013 after a battle that lasted more than eight years. Despite the verdict, United Kingdom Home Secretary Theresa May says the cleric is no longer welcome in the country. “He is subject to a deportation order,” May said. “He is also subject to a UN-travel ban — that means he will not be returning to the UK.” The ruling marks the second acquittal based on insufficient evidence for Abu Qatada in 2014, and marks the end of more than a decade of cases for the cleric between Britain and Jordan. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now By — Justin Scuiletti Justin Scuiletti Justin Scuiletti is the digital video producer at PBS NewsHour. @JSkl
A Jordanian court today found radical cleric Abu Qatada not guilty of conspiring to attack tourists during Jordan’s New Year celebrations in 2000, citing insufficient evidence. Abu Qatada was extradited from Britain in 2013 after a battle that lasted more than eight years. Despite the verdict, United Kingdom Home Secretary Theresa May says the cleric is no longer welcome in the country. “He is subject to a deportation order,” May said. “He is also subject to a UN-travel ban — that means he will not be returning to the UK.” The ruling marks the second acquittal based on insufficient evidence for Abu Qatada in 2014, and marks the end of more than a decade of cases for the cleric between Britain and Jordan. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now