UK ratifies treaty with Jordan over radical cleric

LONDON (AP) — Britain has ratified a treaty with Jordan that could speed the extradition of radical Muslim preacher Abu Qatada.

The Home Office said Friday that a 21-day parliamentary scrutiny period for the treaty expired overnight.

Jordan’s King Abdullah II endorsed the treaty earlier this week.

Several steps must unfold before the document comes into force, including an exchange of diplomatic notes between Britain and Jordan.

Qatada claimed asylum in Britain in 1993 but gained notoriety for his sermons that supported radical views including the killing of Jews. He arrived in Britain and claimed asylum in 1993, but became notorious for preaching radical views such killing Jews and those who leave Islam.

He was arrested in 2002 and Britain has been trying for more than a decade to extradite the cleric, who was convicted in absentia over terrorist plots in Jordan. British courts have blocked the move, saying evidence gained by torture could be used against him at trial. In March the British government lost an appeal against an immigration tribunal that ruled Qatada can stay in the country.

The treaty aims to guarantee that will not happen. Lawyers for Abu Qatada have said he would return to Jordan voluntarily if it is ratified.