The sayings and sermons of Abu Qatada al-Filistini
Abu Qatada is known as a dangerously radical preacher. So what has he actually been saying?

ABU QATADA has been called the "most significant extremist preacher in the UK", "al-Qaeda's spiritual leader in Europe" and "a truly dangerous individual". News of his upcoming release from jail this week - albeit on stringent bail conditions – has caused outrage, with even his defence team suggesting he poses a "grave risk" to national security.
Why is Abu Qatada being freed and can he ever be deported?
So what does this radical Muslim cleric actually preach? Here are some of the things he has said since 1993 when he came to Britain from Jordan on a forged passport, requesting asylum on the grounds of religious persecution:
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
1. A 1995 'fatwa' issued by Abu Qatada justified the killing of anyone in Algeria who converted from Islam, including their wives and children.
2. In 1997, according to the Middle East Media Research Institute, Abu Qatada called on Muslims to kill the wives and children of Egyptian police and army officers.
3. In October 1999, according to the British case against him, Abu Qatada made a speech in which, The Guardian reported, "he effectively issued a fatwa authorising the killing of Jews, including Jewish children".
4. In 1999 Abu Qatada told his congregation at Finsbury Park Mosque that Americans should be attacked, wherever they were; that in his view they were no better than Jews; and that there was no difference between English people, Jews and Americans.
5. In a 2001 sermon, shortly after 9/11, Abu Qatada said the al-Qaeda attacks on the US were part of a wider battle between Christendom and Islam, and were a response to America's unjust policies.
6. In autumn 2002, a poem attributed to Abu Qatada, appeared online praising Osama bin Laden and glorifying the attacks.
7. In another sermon he is said to have stated that it was not a sin for a Muslim to kill a non-believer for the sake of Islam.
Abu Qatada is wanted on terrorism charges in the United States, Belgium, Spain, France, Germany, Italy, Algeria and his native Jordan. His comments are often quoted on radical Islamic websites.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
What does 'conquering' Gaza mean to Israel?
Today's Big Question Benjamin Netanyahu's cabinet has approved a plan to displace much of the Palestinian population while seizing and occupying the territory on a long-term basis.
-
Casey Means: the controversial 'wellness influencer' nominated for surgeon general
In the Spotlight Means has drawn controversy for her closeness to RFK Jr.
-
Trump taps Fox News' Pirro for DC attorney post
speed read The president has named Fox News host Jeanine Pirro to be the top federal prosecutor for Washington, replacing acting US Attorney Ed Martin
-
What happens if tensions between India and Pakistan boil over?
TODAY'S BIG QUESTION As the two nuclear-armed neighbors rattle their sabers in the wake of a terrorist attack on the contested Kashmir region, experts worry that the worst might be yet to come
-
Why Russia removed the Taliban's terrorist designation
The Explainer Russia had designated the Taliban as a terrorist group over 20 years ago
-
Inside the Israel-Turkey geopolitical dance across Syria
THE EXPLAINER As Syria struggles in the wake of the Assad regime's collapse, its neighbors are carefully coordinating to avoid potential military confrontations
-
'Like a sound from hell': Serbia and sonic weapons
The Explainer Half a million people sign petition alleging Serbian police used an illegal 'sound cannon' to disrupt anti-government protests
-
The arrest of the Philippines' former president leaves the country's drug war in disarray
In the Spotlight Rodrigo Duterte was arrested by the ICC earlier this month
-
Ukrainian election: who could replace Zelenskyy?
The Explainer Donald Trump's 'dictator' jibe raises pressure on Ukraine to the polls while the country is under martial law
-
Why Serbian protesters set off smoke bombs in parliament
THE EXPLAINER Ongoing anti-corruption protests erupted into full view this week as Serbian protesters threw the country's legislature into chaos
-
Who is the Hat Man? 'Shadow people' and sleep paralysis
In Depth 'Sleep demons' have plagued our dreams throughout the centuries, but the explanation could be medical