LONDON– A radical Islamic preacher believed to pose a threat to Britain’s national security was granted bail on Monday, despite home office attempts to keep him in prison. Abu Qatada, once described as “Osama bin Laden’s right-hand man in Europe”, is expected to be released shortly into a form of house arrest after the decision by the Special Immigration Appeals Commission.
He made his application for bail after winning an appeal in a European court last month to stop Britain deporting him to Jordan to stand trial on terrorism charges.