The terror suspect was released from Long Lartin prison in Worcestershire

A terror suspect said to have "direct links" with Osama Bin Laden has been freed on bail, the Special Immigration Appeals Commission (Siac) has said.

The Algerian, who can be identified only as "U", has been released from Long Lartin high-security prison, in Worcestershire.

He had spent more than seven years in jail awaiting deportation.

It comes two weeks after Abu Qatada, described as Bin Laden's right-hand man in Europe, was freed on bail.

"U" won a judgement in the Court of Appeal overturning Siac's ruling that he could be deported to Algeria.

His lawyers have now successfully argued that following the appeal court ruling it is wrong to keep him in custody.

A Siac spokeswoman said: "As of today I can confirm he ["U"] has been released."

'Threat posed'

The Home Office said it had sought the strictest bail conditions possible for "U" while deportation proceedings against him continued.

A Home Office spokesman said: "It is our position that individuals who are not British nationals who pose a threat to the national security of the UK should be deported.

"Bail conditions are a matter for the court, but we argued for and received very strict conditions indeed."

Siac is protecting the anonymity of the terror suspect but inadvertently revealed his bail address.

Officials accidentally sent his secret bail address to journalists covering the story.

A court order banning the media from naming the man or repeating his address remains in force.

'Security risk'

Earlier court rulings described "U" as someone who had had direct links to Bin Laden and had a senior position at a mujahideen training camp in Afghanistan.

"U" was also allegedly associated with a group that planned to bomb the Christmas market in Strasbourg in 2000.

He had been in custody since February 2001, when he was picked up at Heathrow airport attempting to board a flight to Saudi Arabia with a false passport.

Siac stated in May last year: "We share the security service's assessment that he remains a risk to national security.

"He has shown no sign of disavowing his former beliefs or associates."

Abu Qatada, 47, was released from the same prison after winning his fight against deportation to Jordan.

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said an appeal would be lodged against that ruling.



