UK Judge allows tweets from Assange court hearing

London: Britain's judicial system is stepping into the 21st century -- 140 characters at a time.

Free-speech advocates are welcoming a judge's decision to allow journalists to communicate via Twitter from the bail hearing for WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange.

Media lawyer David Allen Green on Wednesday called the decision "a landmark."

British courts place strict restrictions on communication. Cameras and recording equipment are banned and phones are usually prohibited.

District Judge Howard Riddle announced at the start of Tuesday's hearing in London that he would allow tweeting as long as it didn't interfere with court business.

At least two journalists tweeted the news that Riddle had granted Assange bail -- and that Sweden had appealed that decision.