WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange released from jail

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange walked out of prison with bail on Thursday after spending nine days behind bars in connection with sex crime allegations against him in Sweden.

Assange was granted bail by a British judge on Tuesday after the former surrendered last week to London police but his release had been held up a appeal against it by Swedish prosecutors.

His bail of USD 317,400 was granted on strict conditions, including electronic tagging and a curfew, pending a hearing on Jan 11.

Swedish authorities, who are trying to get him extradited, had appealed against the bail.

Swedish police had earlier sent out a lookout for Assange after two WikiLeaks workers had accused Assange of ?rape, sexual molestation and unlawful coercion?. The Interpol too had joined the lookout and issued a Red Notice against him.

However, the 39-year-old Australian maintains that he did not commit any ?sexual misconduct? while in Sweden in August.

The legal actions came in wake of a massive expose by Assange?s international publishing service for whistle-blowers which left the American administration egg-faced.

Defying disapproval of the White House, WikiLeaks, on Nov 28, had released nearly 250,000 diplomatic cables from U.S. embassies across the world from the past three years uncloaking the backroom bargains of world leaders and insight into their fears as well as the concerns of USA.

Coming out of prison on Thursday, Assange vowed to continue his work of leaking secrets.

“It?s great to feel the fresh air of London again. I thank all the people around the world who had faith in me,” he said.