Court grants bail to Assange
A British judge granted conditional bail to WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange in a London court yesterday, one week after he was arrested over allegations of rape and molestation in Sweden.
However, he will not be released immediately as British lawyers acting for Swedish prosecutors are considering whether or not to appeal the ruling later Tuesday.
District judge Howard Riddle told City of Westminster Magistrates' Court in central London that the 39-year-old Australian will be tagged and subject to a curfew if he is released. He must wear an electronic tag, live at a registered address, report to police every evening and observe two four-hour curfews each day.
A total of 240,000 pounds ($380,000) was put up as a guarantee by several supporters.
Assange's next court appearance was set for Jan 11.
Supporters outside City of Westminster Magistrates' Court erupted in cheers when they heard news of the judge's ruling.
Lindfield, acting on behalf of Swedish authorities, had asked the court to deny Assange bail because the allegations in Sweden were serious, Assange had only weak ties to Britain and he had enough money "to abscond."
He will have to reside at the country estate of the owner of the Frontline club, a media club where WikiLeaks have based part of their operation, and celebrity supporters have helped put up bail of 240,000 pounds (380,000 euros, 280,000 dollars).
Assange gave his lawyers and journalists in court a thumbs-up as he was taken out to await the deliberations of the lawyers.
News that bail was granted drew cheers from Assange's supporters outside the court building.
Swedish prosecutors want to question Assange over allegations that he sexually assaulted two women in Stockholm in August.
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