WikiLeaks Mastermind Julian Assange Freed From London Jail

A London judge upheld bail for jailed WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange Thursday, releasing him under strict conditions while awaiting a decision on his extradition to Sweden for questioning about alleged sexual offenses in that country.

Justice Duncan Ouseley, presiding over a packed hearing at Britain's High Court, rejected prosecutors' appeal of an earlier ruling that set bail for Assange at $316,000 and ordered him freed. Assange walked out later Thursday. "Well, it's great to feel the fresh air of London again," he said, according to the New York Times. "I hope to continue my work and continue protesting my innocence in this matter." During the hearing, Ouseley said the way the case had been handled by Swedish authorities "would give Mr. Assange some basis that he might be acquitted following a trial," the Guardian reported.

Assange has been in jail since Dec. 7 after his arrest on a warrant issued in Sweden, where he is wanted for questioning about accusations by two women of rape, molestation and unlawful coercion. He has not been charged and denies the claims.

The 39-year-old Australian is at the epicenter of a raging controversy over his anti-secrecy website WikiLeaks, which has released of tens of thousands of classified U.S. State Department cables and documents. The Obama administration is outraged by the breach and U.S. officials said the posting and publishing of the information poses a threat to national security.

Assange, in a dark gray suit, arrived at court in a van under heavy security, according to the British newspaper and Bloomberg news service. Bail conditions require him to stay at a designated home in Suffolk, report to police daily and wear an electronic tag.

Watch video of Assange release, courtesy of the New York Times and Britain's Channel 4.