Trial of Abu Qatada expected to begin in Jordan

The trial of radical cleric Abu Qatada is expected to begin today in Jordan. Qatada is to face terrorism charges following his deportation from the UK in July.

He is accused of involvement in a series of bombings in 1998 and a terrorist plot that was foiled in 2000.

Following a near decade-long battle against deportation, it was a treaty signed between the UK and Jordan earlier this year that finally secured Qatada's departure, giving the radical preacher the assurances he needed to leave his taxpayer-funded home behind.

The agreement, announced by the Home Secretary earlier this year, aimed to allay fears that evidence extracted through torture would not be used against the father-of-five at his trial.