Jordanian extremist cleric Abu Qatada, who is being tried on terror charges in Jordan, on Tuesday denounced as "void" the declaration of “Caliphate” by Takfiri group, the so-called “Islamic State in Iraq and Levant”.

Jordanian extremist cleric Abu Qatada, who is being tried on terror charges in Jordan, on Tuesday denounced as "void" the declaration of “Caliphate” by Takfiri group, the so-called “Islamic State in Iraq and Levant”.

"The announcement of a caliphate by ISIL is void and meaningless because it was not approved by jihadists in other parts of the world," Abu Qatada wrote in a 21-page document published on extremist websites.

ISIL which has been waging insurgency Syria and Iraq, on June 29 proclaimed a "caliphate" straddling both countries and is headed by Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, who now calls himself “Caliph Ibrahim.”

"This group does not have the authority to rule all Muslims and their declaration applies to no-one but themselves," said Abu Qatada.

"Its threats to kill opponents, sidelining of other groups and violent way of fighting opponents constitute a great sin, reflecting the reality of the group," wrote the Palestinian-born preacher.

The radical cleric urged other Muslims against joining the Takfiri group.
"They are merciless in dealing with other jihadists. How would they deal with the poor, the weak and other people?"