Jordanian Court Acquits Radical Cleric of Terrorism

A Jordanian military court acquitted radical Muslim preacher Abu Qatada of terrorism charges for plotting attacks against Americans and Israelis.

The Jordanian court based its ruling on a "lack of convincing charges" against the Salafi cleric.

Qatada, described as a one-time lieutenant of Osama bin Laden and a "truly dangerous individual," is known for his fiery pro-al Qaeda speeches.

He was also charged with involvement in plans to target Israeli and American tourists and Western diplomats in Jordan in 2000.

In a separate case in June, Qatada was acquitted of a foiled 1999 plan to attack an American school in Amman.

Last year, Britain deported Qatada, following an eight-year legal battle seeking to force him to leave the country.

A Jordanian national, Qatada arrived in England in 1993 on a forged United Arab Emirates passport, where he sought asylum on claims he'd been tortured by Jordanian authorities.