Bin Laden’s ‘right-hand man in Europe’ bailed

A radical Islamic preacher that Britain believes poses a threat to its national security has been granted bail, despite attempts by the Home Office to keep him in prison.

Abu Qatada, a Jordanian once described as “Osama bin Laden’s right-hand man in Europe”, is expected to soon be released into a tightly controlled 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 from deporting him to Jordan to stand trial on terrorism charges.