AUSTRALIAN SUPPORTERS OF WIKILEAKS founder Julian Assange have reportedly raised $360,000 for a full-page ad in the New York Times, expected to run today as Assange’s bail is appealed.

Time reports that Assange has high public support in his native Australia. Australia’s Foreign Minister said the decision on whether to revoke Assange’s passport will not be made for now.

Sweden has issued a warrant seeking the extradition of Assange for questioning over two alleged sexual assaults which are claimed to have taken place during Assange’s visit to Sweden in August.

Assange was detained in London over a week ago and granted bail by a UK court on Tuesday afternoon on condition of putting up £200,000 in bail, surrendering his passport and wearing an electronic tag.

Initially, it seemed Swedish authorities had lodged an appeal against the decision, but Britain’s Crown Prosecution Service has confirmed to blogger Carl Gardner that it took the decision to appeal bail as it believes Assange is a flight risk. It said it was usual practice in extradition cases and had lodged the appeal without consulting Swedish prosecutors.

A High Court hearing on the appeal of that bail approval will begin at 11.30am today.

Read more about supporters and critics of WikiLeaks >