LONDON — A militant Islamic preacher wanted in Jordan to face terrorism charges, who is depicted by British officials as a top operative of Al Qaeda, was released on bail Tuesday after winning the latest in seven years of legal battles that have been portrayed by his lawyers as crucial tests of British justice.

The preacher, Abu Qatada, 52, whose real name is Omar Mahmoud Mohammed Othman, appeared to be smiling as he left the Long Lartin maximum security prison in Worcestershire.