Militant Islamic Preacher Is Freed on Bail in Britain

LONDON — A militant Islamic preacher wanted in Jordan to face terrorism charges, who is depicted by British officials as a top operative of Al Qaeda, was released on bail on Tuesday after winning the latest in seven years of legal battles that have been portrayed by his lawyers as crucial tests of British justice.

Heavily bearded and wearing a black turban, the preacher, Abu Qatada, 52, whose real name is Omar Mahmoud Mohammed Othman, appeared to be smiling as he left the Long Lartin maximum security prison in Worcestershire in the back of a black Volkswagen minibus.

When he arrived outside his London home, a small group of protesters chanted “Out, out, out,” witnesses said.

His release came a day after an immigration appeals tribunal ruled that sending Mr. Othman to Jordan would violate his right to a fair trial under European human rights law.

The ruling was a blow to the British government, which wants to rid the country of foreign-born militants it says are fomenting Islamic militancy.

British news reports on Tuesday said the bail conditions included a 16-hour curfew, electronic tagging, a ban on Internet use and prohibitions on meeting some people.