Former Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont can be released on bail, a German court has ruled.

But he must remain in Germany while extradition proceedings continue and report to police once a week. He must also report every change of residence.

A court in the northern town of Schleswig set bail at €75,000 (£65,500).

It was not precisely clear when he will be released, but a message on his Twitter feed read: "We will see each other tomorrow. Thank you all!"

Mr Puigdemont is accused by the Spanish authorities of rebellion and misuse of public funds following an unauthorised referendum last year on Catalonia's independence from Spain.


:: Disputed Catalan President Carles Puigdemont: Spain has 'damaged democracy'

Image: Students carry a pro-independence 'Estelada' flag in Barcelona

The 55-year-old was detained in Germany on a Spanish arrest warrant as he attempted to drive from Finland to Belgium on 25 March.

He has been living in Belgium since fleeing Spain to escape arrest, and has been held at a prison in Neumuenster.

German prosecutors have argued that the charge of rebellion is similar to Germany's offence of treason.

But the court disagreed, saying that Mr Puigdemont cannot be extradited for rebellion.

Responding to the ruling, a Spanish official said Mariano Rajoy's government respects judicial decisions "always, when it likes them and when it doesn't".

The official added: "Spanish justice will adopt the appropriate measures in the face of these new circumstances."

Mr Puigdemont's Spain-based lawyer, Jaume Alonso-Cuevillas, said on Twitter: "I always said that I had full confidence in the German judiciary."