WikiLeaks Founder Julian Assange Granted Bail

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WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange was granted bail set at $315,000 on Tuesday, a week after his Dec. 7 arrest on suspicion of rape, sexual molestation and unlawful coercion in Sweden.

Even so, reports the BBC, he is not free from jail just yet – having to remain in custody for at least 48 hours pending a possible appeal by prosecutors.

Assange, 39, said last week he would resist extradition to Sweden, where he faces questioning in connection with the alleged offenses. Two women Assange had met in Sweden during a business trip to the country initially made the charges.

Among his bail considerations Tuesday, Assange, who is an Australian national, must surrender his passport. Reportedly, several protesters gathered outside City of Westminster Magistrates' Court while his case was being heard.

The next hearing in his case is set for Jan. 11. Meanwhile, the Obama administration is considering whether to try prosecuting him in the U.S. over tens of thousands of confidential military and diplomatic documents that his anti-secrecy Web site has made public.