The radical Islamist preacher Abu Qatada was arrested Tuesday and will be deported from the UK to Jordan, the Home Office confirmed.

Qatada, who was once described by a judge as “Osama bin Laden’s right-hand man in Europe,” was released from a prison in central England under strict bail conditions earlier this year after six and a half years in custody.

A Home Office spokesman said, “UK Border Agency officers have today arrested Abu Qatada and told him that we intend to resume deportation proceedings against him. The Home Secretary will make a statement to Parliament later.”

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ruled in January that the cleric could not be deported without assurances evidence gained through torture would not be used in his trial. Qatada was freed the following month.

Home Secretary Theresa May was expected to tell lawmakers she believed a new deal with Jordan should allow the terrorist suspect to be sent home. Last month, she visited Jordan for talks about the deportation.

(Source: NY Post)