Abu Qatada 'jail propaganda' denied

Counter-extremism think-tank the Quilliam Foundation said incitements apparently from the cleric had appeared online as recently as last month.

But the Prison Service said the accusations were "completely unfounded" and that Abu Qatada was "strictly monitored" at top-security Long Lartin prison.

A spokesman said: "In line with security measures to manage high-risk Category A prisoners, this individual is strictly monitored and has absolutely no access to prisoners other than those in the small unit in which he is held, none of whom are considered vulnerable to radicalisation.

"All communications, including telephone calls, are strictly monitored and those not conducted in English are translated.

"This prisoner has absolutely no access to the internet and cannot personally contribute to websites. However, we are unable to prevent third parties from publishing information which is, or claims to be, on other people's behalf or in their name."

The Prison Service added that it had been successful in strengthening the handling of risks associated with extremism through its Extremism Unit.

According to the Quilliam Foundation, a writer using the name Qatada uses jihadist forums to congratulate al Qaida fighters, claim that the British Government opposes Islam and urge Muslims not to join the police or armed services in a non-Muslim country.

The most recent posting appeared on a jihadist forum last month and detailed life inside a British maximum security prison, it said.

Although there is no direct evidence that the statements were issued by Abu Qatada, the foundation said evidence linked the posts to Islamist associates of Abu Qatada.