Abu Qatada was convicted in absentia in Jordan of trying to overthrow the government. The appeals court overturned a ruling by the Special Immigration Appeals Commission because judges were concerned that some evidence against him came from torture, The Times of London reported.

The judges found that the Libyans are a threat to national security. But they also found a good chance they would be tortured if they are deported there.

After the ruling, the government dropped a bid to deport 10 more Libyans.

Abu Qatada will remain behind bars while the government appeals the ruling in his case, a spokesman for the Home Office said. The decision on the Libyans will not be appealed.