LONDON: A British judge granted Julian Assange bail Tuesday but the WikiLeaks founder will remain in custody for at least another 48 hours after Swedish prosecutors challenged the bail. Assange, a 39-year-old Australian, has already spent a week in a UK jail following his surrender to police in a Swedish sex-crimes investigation. He denies any wrongdoing and his lawyers say he plans to fight Sweden's extradition request. Assange's lawyer Mark Stephens said his client's relief at the bail decision had already evaporated, calling it “unfortunate” that “the Swedes won't abide by the umpire's decision.” “They clearly will not spare any expense but to keep Mr. Assange in jail,” Stephens told journalists outside the court in London. Assange's mother Christine, who was flown to Britain by Australian media outlets, watched the hearing nervously from the public gallery but gave a huge smile as the judge announced his decision. “I just want to thank everyone who's turned up to show their support and who's taken an interest,” Christine Assange said. Under the ruling Tuesday, Assange would be subject to strict bail conditions. Stephens said the court was demanding £200,000 in bail up front before Assange could be freed. He would also have to wear an electronic tag, live at a registered address, report to police every evening and observe two four-hour curfews each day.
