POLITICS: Assange released on Bail!

(AP) – A British judge has granted bail to Julian Assange today, saying that the WikiLeaks founder must abide by strict bail conditions as he fights extradition to Sweden in a sex-crimes investigation. The 39-year-old Australian was brought into court in a prison van before the hearing as supporters and journalists gathered in the street and the courtroom.

The City of Westminster Magistrates' court was 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.