WikiLeaks founder granted bail by high court today

Julian Assange theWikiLeaks founder who is wanted in Sweden for questioning over allegations of rape, granted bail today by Britain’s high court.

Justice Duncan Ouseley agreed with a decision by the City of Westminister earlier in the week to release Assange on strict conditions: £200,000 cash deposit, with a further £40,000 guaranteed in two sureties of £20,000 and strict conditions on his movement.

Ouseley said, “The history of the way it [the case] has been dealt with by the Swedish prosecutors would give Mr Assange some basis that he might be acquitted following a trial.”

When Assange arrived at the high court in a white prison van, photographers swarmed around the van in an attempt to get a picture. Amid intense media interest, a queue of journalists had formed as early in the morning.

Mark Stephens, one of Assange’s lawyers, said before the proceedings that the bail money had been raised from Assange’s supporters and “appears to be in the banking system”. Stephens again complained about the conditions in which Assange had been held, describing them as Victorian.

Today’s hearing followed a decision by senior district judge Howard Riddle to grant Assange bail, but he remained in Wandsworth prison, where he has been held for a week, as prosecutors gave notice they would appeal.

Assange has been held in solitary confinement, released from his cell for only one hour a day, and his mail has been heavily censored, according to his supporters.

Karin Rosander, a spokeswoman for the Swedish prosecution agency said, “It’s an ongoing investigation in Sweden and the prosecutor needs to interrogate him to make a decision on the matter.”

Riddle stipulate set the Bail conditions that Assange must stay at a country house in Suffolk owned by Vaughan Smith, the founder of the Frontline club in west London. He has to report to police daily and wear an electronic tag.