A NEWPORT eco-activist detained for two months in a foreign jail was granted bail today.

Anthony Perrett, whose been under detention in Russia since the Arctic Sunrise ship was seized by the country’s authorities, is set to be freed once his bail of two million rubles, almost £40,000, is paid.

His partner spoke of her relief at the news - but said the ordeal was not over yet.

It wasn’t clear last night whether the decision by a court in St Petersburg meant the activist could return home, and it is thought that it could take at least a couple of days before he is out of jail because of the bureaucracy involved.

The 32-year-old had been one of 30 people detained following a protest at a Russian oil rig.

As well as Mr Perrett, Britons Alexandra Harris, 27, and Kieron Bryan, 29, were also granted bail. One Brazillian activist who was earlier granted bail was released from prison.

Mr Perrett, who is still facing charges of hooliganism and piracy and faces up to 15 years in prison, was recently moved from a jail in the Arctic town of Murmansk to the infamous Kresty prison in St Petersburg.

His partner Zaharah Ally told the Argus that she was relieved to hear that Anthony had been granted bail.

She said Anthony’s life in Wales is “heavily focused on the outdoors so he would have found the 2 months in a cell for 23 hours a day very difficult.”

But she added: “It has been a very intense and emotional two months but unfortunately it's not over yet.

“It's important that all efforts are continued to safeguard the release of Anthony and all of the Arctic 30."

Jessica Morden, MP for Newport East, said: “It’s great news that Anthony has got bail, but it’s not clear yet what happens next.

“It has been a very difficult time for Zaharah, his partner, and his family – as today’s long wait for the result of the hearing illustrated. After two months in a Russian detention centre we just hope he is home soon.”

John Sauven, executive director of Greenpeace UK said: “This rather tortuous legal process still has a long way to run, but today’s decision by the court to grant bail to Alex, Keiron and Anthony will come as a real relief to the family and friends of the three of them.

“Greenpeace will be doing everything we can to get the remaining activists released, including three Britons. All thirty are still facing ridiculously inappropriate charges for a peaceful protest against oil drilling in the Arctic."