Bin Laden aide released from British jail

LONDON, June 18 (UPI) -- Abu Qatada, considered a top aide to Osama bin Laden, was released from a British jail under some of tightest conditions ever, court officials said.

A judge ruled the government had no grounds to detain the 47-year-old radical Muslim cleric after previous attempts to deport him failed, The Times of London reported Wednesday.

The eight-page bail order said Qatada was not allowed to receive visits from or communicate with 22 named people, including bin Laden. The Jordanian-born cleric -- once called "Osama bin Laden's right-hand man in Europe" -- also was ordered to wear an electronic bracelet and live under strict conditions at an address the judge ordered kept secret. He was released Tuesday night from Long Lartin prison in Worcestershire.

As many as 11 other suspects awaiting deportation hearings are likely to use the precedent set by Qatada's case, the British newspaper said.

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said she was disappointed in Qatada's release.

"The government's priority is to protect public safety and national security and we will take all steps necessary to do so," Smith said.