Radical Cleric Abu Qatada Being Freed From UK Jail

Published February 13, 2012 12:00PM (EST)

LONDON (AP) — Britain's judiciary says bail conditions have been agreed for radical cleric Abu Qatada, signaling his imminent release from an English prison.

The extremist preacher — who has been described in both Spanish and British courts as a leading al-Qaida figure in Europe — is likely to be freed from Long Lartin jail later Monday.

The Palestinian-Jordanian cleric has spent more than six years in prison fighting deportation, but a tribunal ruled last week he should be released on bail.

Bail conditions are likely to include a curfew and an electronic anklet.

Britain's attempt to deport him to Jordan to face terrorism charges was blocked by the European Court of Human Rights, which ruled last month that there is a risk evidence obtained through torture would be used against him in court.


By Salon Staff

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