London - Britain has signed a treaty with Jordan on “fair trial guarantees,” Home Secretary Theresa May told parliament on Wednesday, as part of a fresh attempt to deport an Islamist cleric once described as Osama bin Laden's right hand man in Europe.
Wednesday's announcement came after an appeal court refused May permission to have the case of Abu Qatada referred to the Supreme Court.
The government wants to reverse a ruling which prevents his deportation to Jordan to face charges of terrorism on the grounds that testimony obtained by torture could be used against him.
The new agreement includes specific, mutual assurances that this would not be the case, May said.
Qatada's case has dragged on for years and infuriated successive governments.
His home country Jordan convicted him in absentia in 1999 for his involvement in planned terrorist attacks. Britain regards him as a threat to national security.
Qatada has also praised the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, issued a fatwa justifying the killing of converts from Islam and advocated the killing of Jews.
“I believe that the treaty we have agreed with Jordan - once ratified by both parliaments - will finally make possible the deportation of Abu Qatada,” May said. She warned however that the Jordan-born cleric would still be able to appeal any new decisions.
Before the agreement comes into force, May will pursue her attempt to appeal the current ruling, by applying directly to the Supreme Court.
She also suggested that Britain could temporarily withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights in order to deport Qatada, who has repeatedly used human rights legislation to avoid deportation.
“We should have all options - including leaving the convention altogether - on the table,” said May. “The prime minister is looking at all the options. That is the only sensible thing to do.” - Sapa-dpa