Al-Qaida suspect says he gave evidence under duress

An alleged al-Qaida militant cried today after taking the stand on charges that he belonged to a cell accused of helping plot the September 11 attacks, and he said he had testified in Spain under duress.

Abdulla Khayata Katan, a 29-year-old Spaniard of Syrian origin, denied any wrongdoing and said he was abused and humiliated at a Jordanian jail before being turned over to Spanish authorities in February of last year. Katan is accused of belonging to a terrorist organisation, but not direct involvement in September 11 planning.