UK Home Secretary to visit Jordan to discuss cleric Abu Qatada's extradition

London, Mar 5(ANI): British Home Secretary Theresa May is preparing to meet officials in Jordan this week, as part of the David Cameron government's efforts to extradite radical cleric Abu Qatada.

With the European Court of Human Rights blocking Qatada's extradition so far, British officials have suggested that Theresa May's visit will just involve discussions rather than the signing of an assurance that evidence obtained through torture would not be used in a planned trial against him. Qatada is described as "Osama Bin Laden's right-hand man in Europe".

The British Home Office has, however, refused to give a to disclose her Amman arrival date.

Qatada currently wears an electronic tag after being released from the Long Lartin Prison last month.

If the Britain reaches an agreement with Jordan about his return, the appeals process still could take years. Experts estimate the cost of keeping Qatada in detention or under surveillance could soon exceed three million pounds.

"I think the discussion with the Jordanians were actually very, very useful. There was a strong recognition from the Jordanian government as to the responsibility they have for one of their own citizens," the Telegraph quoted a Junior Home Office Minister James Brokenshire, as saying.

"It's just working through some of the legal detail, which is why we judge it is important to get this right so when we go back to the special immigration court we can present the strongest possible case to see Qatada removed rapidly," he added. (ANI)