WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange made bail today with the financial help of a new ally—documentary filmmaker Michael Moore, who is siding with the joyful crowds of self-proclaimed advocates of free speech that were lined up outside the London courthouse.
Moore posted $20,000 to help Assange after his bail was set at $315,000, and strict conditions require Assange to surrender his passport, abide by a curfew, and wear an electronic tag. The ordeal isn’t over yet—Swedish prosecutors filed an appeal and Assange will remain in jail until it's heard by London's high court within 48 hours, according to the Guardian.
In a statement release by Moore, he implies that Julian Assange is a patriot for his activities related to the Wikileaks website:
"That is no crime. That is an act of patriotism," Moore said in the statement.
Although Moore’s defense centered on WikiLeaks, Assange isn’t being held on crimes related to his website. Assange is wanted for questioning in Sweden for allegations of rape, sexual molestation, and unlawful coercion. His lawyers said they will contest Sweden’s attempt to extradite him from London for fear he could be turned over to the United States.
This charge is just a place-holder as Attorney General Holder and Secretary of State Clinton are looking to charge Assange with espionage for the activities revolving around Wikileaks.
According to The Guardian, "Assange's bail conditions include surrendering his passport, a curfew and an electronic tag", and "Assange's next court appearance will be on 11 January 2011." Arresting him for this iffy crime was done so they'll know where he is, if they proceed to charge him here in the US.
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