Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, has been granted bail by a judge in London though he has not yet been freed.

Assange appeared in court Tuesday to fight his extradition to Sweden to face allegations of sexual assault and to seek bail.

Judge Howard Riddle granted bail to Assange until his next hearing, scheduled for Jan. 11. However, Assange was not freed because Gemma Lindfield, the lawyer representing Swedish authorities, has decided to file an appeal against the judge's decision.

That means it will be at least another 48 hours before he can be released, Assange's lawyers were told.

Assange, a 39-year-old Australian, has become known internationally in recent weeks for publishing hundreds of classified U.S. diplomatic cables on his website, many of them dealing with sensitive or secret information.

WikiLeaks has continued to release documents despite Assange's incarceration and despite having been removed from Amazon's server.

The organization said it will release 250,000 documents in total.

Assange surrendered to Scotland Yard after Sweden issued a warrant for his arrest.

His arrest is not linked to his WikiLeaks work, however, but to two separate incidents that allegedly occurred over the summer. Two women have accused Assange of sexual misconduct including rape, molestation and unlawful coercion.

Assange has denied the claims.

Assange's supporters have been steadfast, many of them gathering outside the London court on Tuesday and calling for his release.

In comments relayed through his mother who spoke to him by phone, Assange said he is committed to his work despite his current troubles.

"My convictions are unfaltering," Australia's Seven network quoted Assange as saying.

"I remain true to the ideals I have expressed. This circumstance shall not shake them. If anything, this process has increased my determination that they are true and correct."

It could take several weeks for the court to decide whether to extradite Assange.

He had offered through his lawyers to post a large bail bond -- much of it contributed by high profile Britons who have come forward in his defence.

Socialite Jemima Khan and filmmaker Ken Loach have each offered to chip in US$31,500 each.