Radical cleric and terror suspect Abu Qatada was ordered to remain in a British prison without bail ahead of his deportation appeal because he could pose a danger during the London Olympics.
It would be "exceptionally problematic" to allow Jordanian national Qatada to be on London's streets during heightened security for the Games, a Special Immigration Appeals Commission hearing in London ruled.
Qatada, 51, who is accused of involvement in several bomb attacks in Jordan, will remain in a British prison for at least another five months as he launches fresh action against the government's bid to deport him back to Jordan.
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He was convicted in his absence in Jordan in 1998 for involvement in terror attacks.
Judge John Mitting said that although the cleric had been deprived of his liberty for an exceptionally long time, he would not risk compromising the security for the London Olympics, which start on July 27, or for the Paralympics after that.
The judge said the deportation hearing appeal would take place on October 10 and there would be a decision a month later.
On May 9, Qatada lost his bid at the European Court of Human Rights to have his appeal heard against Britain's attempts to deport him to Jordan, and is now seeking to appeal within Britain.
Qatada, who was once described by a judge as Osama bin Laden's right-hand man in Europe, is being held in a high-security prison while he fights deportation.
