WikiLeaks chief Julian Assange let out on £275,000 bail

Bail: Julian Assange is led into court this morning
12 April 2012

The founder of the WikiLeaks whistle-blowing website was given bail by a High Court judge today amid scenes of wild rejoicing by his supporters.

Julian Assange, 39, was told he can be released on a surety of £275,000 after Mr Justice Ouseley rejected a bid to keep him behind bars.

He is wanted for alleged sex offences in Sweden and is fighting extradition. He has been held on remand for nine days but will be conditionally freed after a string of celebrity supporters, including Jemima Khan, posted bail.

As fans shouted "Yes" outside court, his lawyer Mark Stephens said: "We expect him to be released today or at the latest tomorrow. We are going through the formalities right now. All his supporters came through with their promises. We're utterly delighted. We think it was an unnecessary appeal and it is evidence of a continuing vendetta against Mr Assange."

The Australian was granted bail on Tuesday at Westminster magistrates' court pending moves to extradite him. But the Swedish government fought the move, claiming he was a flight risk.

Today, in a hearing watched by more than 200 members of the press and public from around the world, Gemma Lindfield of the Crown Prosecution Service —acting for Sweden — said there were still fears Assange would attempt to flee.

She also raised doubts about the suitability of the proposed bail address, the manor house of Ellingham Hall on the Norfolk-Suffolk border. She said: "Assange has weak community ties in the UK and the means and ability to abscond through his lifestyle, connections and potential realisable assets."

But Geoffrey Robertson, QC, said the Australian could never betray his cause and his supporters by attempting to leave the country.

He said: "Assange has fully co-operated with Swedish police since the allegations were made and it was them who gave him permission to leave the country in September.

"Since his arrival in the UK, Assange took steps to ensure that, should an arrest warrant be issued for him, Met Police could contact his solicitors."

Mr Justice Ouseley's decision was greeted by ecstatic cheering from supporters who had started queuing outside the High Court before dawn.

Jemima Khan, who had previously been at court hearings for Assange, tweeted: "Disappointed not to be able to be in court today.

"I'm abroad. Couldn't change dates to attend court today but pleased to have been able to put up bail money and hoping for Assange's release."

Novelist Tariq Ali said Assange smiled as he was told he would be released on bail. He said: "The atmosphere in court was one of general relief and smiles all around, apart from on the faces of the prosecution.

"Mr Assange smiled as well. His mother looked very relieved. He has been put through it so I think things are clearer now than after the last decision. All in all, a good morning."

Despite the relaxed atmosphere at 10-bedroom Ellingham Hall, Assange has stringent bail conditions. They include wearing an electronic tag, reporting to a local police station and a twice-a-day curfew. He must also stay within a tight boundary around the mansion as the tag's signal will go out of range at the edge of the 600-acre estate.

The manor is owned by Vaughan Smith, 47, a former Grenadier Guards captain and founder of the war reporters' Frontline Club in Paddington where Assange had been staying before his arrest.

In stark contrast to conditions in HMP Wandsworth, he will have meals prepared by a housekeeper and access to a well stocked cellar.

The grounds have a carp lake, walled garden and a variety of farm animals supplying organic food.

Who put up bail

Julian Assange's lawyers were required to provide £200,000 in cash as bail, with a further £75,000 guaranteed in sureties. A £20,000 surety was given by Vaughan Smith and restaurant designer Sarah Saunders, a personal friend of Assange. Seven others put up £5,000 each. They include former actress the Marchioness of Worcester, solicitor Geoffrey Shears, Assange's lawyer Mark Stephens and two unnamed friends. Journalist John Pilger, film director Ken Loach and the novelist Tariq Ali are believed to have assisted.

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