Swedish authorities to appeal London court's decision to release Assange on bail

Swedish authorities say they will appeal a British judge's decision to grant bail to WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, The Associated Press reported.

Assange's lawyers were told Tuesday that means it will take at least another 48 hours before he can be freed from a London jail. Britain's High Court will now hear the Swedish appeal.

Assange, a 39-year-old Australian, has been in prison for a week due to a Swedish arrest warrant in a sex-crimes investigation. He denies any wrongdoing and his lawyers say he plans to fight Sweden's extradition request.

A British judge granted bail to Julian Assange on Tuesday under strict monitoring conditions but the WikiLeaks founder remained in custody pending a possible appeal by Sweden.

Assange's next court appearance was set for Jan. 11, ahead of a full hearing on February 7 and 8.