WikiLeaks chief bail thwarted by Swedish appeal

The controversial Australian, whose ground-breaking website has infuriated the US Government by publishing a series of leaked documents relating to American foreign policy, is wanted for questioning in Sweden over claims he sexually assaulted two women earlier this year.

Assange's supporters believe the charges are politically motivated and that the US eventually hopes to have him extradited and jailed in retribution for publishing the leaked documents, that have caused a worldwide furore.

The 39-year-old was arrested in London last week after handing himself in at a police station, and was initially refused bail over concerns about his lack of permanent address in the UK.

But at an extradition hearing at City of Westminster Magistrates' Court yesterday afternoon, as the world's press and hundreds of supporters crowded outside the courtroom, a judge granted him conditional bail – only for Assange to be told two hours later that he must remain behind bars pending the Swedish appeal.

Speaking outside court after the hearing, Assange's solicitor, Mark Stephens, said: "Finally, after two hours we have heard that the Swedes will not abide with the umpire's decision and they want to put Mr Assange through yet more trouble, more expense and more hurdles.

"They clearly will not spare any expense to keep Mr Assange in jail. This is really turning into a show trial. We will be in court again in the next 48 hours."

Asked how Assange reacted to the news, Mr Stephens said: "He is phlegmatic."

Assange was supported at court by several well-known backers who arrived to protest against the charges and offer thousands of pounds in sureties.

Historian and political commentator Tariq Ali said it would be "pure vindictiveness" and a grotesque abuse of power" to keep the WikiLeaks founder in prison.

He was joined by other well-known faces including journalist John Pilger, director Ken Loach and socialite Jemima Khan.

Inside the court, District Judge Howard Riddle had granted Assange bail after hearing his residence could now be assured, on condition he provide a security of 200,000 to the court and guarantee two sureties, each of 20,000.

The judge told Assange his passport would have to remain with the police, that he could not apply for international travel, must abide by a curfew and stay at Ellingham Hall in Suffolk.

The estate is owned by Vaughan Smith, who served in the Army before setting up a journalists' club in Paddington, London, in 2003.

Mr Smith said: "I have met Mr Assange very frequently over the last five months or so.

"The Julian Assange I know has a number of qualities: he's a very honourable person, hugely courageous, self-deprecatory – none of the things you read about."

Assange was also told he would be tagged and must report to a local police station every evening.

Lawyer Gemma Lindfield, on behalf of the Swedish authorities, had reminded the court during the hearing it had "already found that Mr Assange is a flight risk".

She said: "It's submitted that nothing has changed since last week to allay the court's fears in this regard."

But Judge Riddle disagreed, saying the matter of his residence had "now been dealt with completely and entirely to my satisfaction."

The Swedish appeal against Assange's bail application must be heard within the next 48 hours.