Radical Muslim preacher Abu Qatada granted bail in Britain

A radical Muslim preacher accused of having close ties to al-Qaida was granted bail by a British immigration appeals commission Thursday.

Abu Qatada, who was jailed in 2002 over accusations that he played a key role in raising money for extremist groups and provided spiritual advice to militants planning terror attacks, will remain in custody until arrangements for his release are completed.

Judge John Mitting ruled the cleric should be released after the Court of Appeal ordered the government in April to stop extradition proceedings, claiming he faced the threat of torture if returned to his native Jordan.

But the judge acknowledged Qatada could pose a national security threat and imposed a strict 22-hour curfew, meaning he must be inside his home for all but two hours a day. Precise details of the curfew will be decided at another hearing, probably within two weeks, officials said.

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said she was extremely disappointed with the decision and would "take all steps necessary to protect the public."

The government has been attempting to deport Qatada to Jordan, where he was convicted in connection with two 1998 bombings. Smith said the government would continue its efforts to deport the preacher.

Qatada has been described by a Spanish judge as Osama bin Laden's "spiritual ambassador in Europe," and Britain says he has connections with al-Qaida, Egypt's Islamic Jihad and other terror groups. Officials claim he had links to shoe bomber Richard Reid and Zacarias Moussaoui, who was convicted for his role in the Sept. 11 attack.

David Davis, the opposition Conservative party spokesman on home affairs, said the case seriously undermines Britain's program to deport terror suspects.

Qatada has denied supporting terrorism and claims he would not receive a fair trial if sent to Jordan. He was jailed in Britain under anti-terrorism laws between 2002 and early 2005, then released and re-arrested in August 2005 to be held pending deportation to Jordan.