Assange Will Stay in Jail as Sweden Challenges Bail

A British judge granted bail to Julian Assange today under strict conditions, but the WikiLeaks founder will remain in jail at least another 48 hours while the court hears an appeal from Swedish prosecutors who want him extradited on sex-crimes charges. According to the Guardian, his bail conditions would include giving up his passport, wearing an electronic tag, observing a 10am-2pm and 10pm-2am curfew, reporting to the police station daily at 6pm, and providing cash guarantees of about $375,000.

The 39-year-old Australian was brought into a court packed with lawyers, journalists, and celebrities, including filmmaker Ken Loach and socialite Jemima Khan, who have both offered to contribute $31,500 each in bond for Assange. Gemma Lindfield, appearing for the Swedish authorities, had asked the court to deny Assange bail. "This is not a case about WikiLeaks, rather a case about alleged serious offenses against two women," she said. (More Julian Assange stories.)