On Wednesday human rights activist and civil rights lawyer Nicholas Opiyo was freed on bail. Justice Jane Okuo Kajuga of the High Court ruled that Opiyo may be released from prison after making a cash deposit and surrendering his passport. Opiyo’s arrest on December 22 for allegedly violating the Anti-Money Laundering Act sparked worldwide criticism and concern. Ugandan authorities determined that Opiyo received funds for his organization, Chapter Four Uganda, that were procured via criminal activity.

Chapter Four Uganda, a nonprofit group that strives to protect the civil rights and liberties of Ugandans, released a statement on Monday urging the court to grant bail to Opiyo. The group called the charges ‘baseless’ and reiterated that Opiyo’s arrest was unlawful because a complete investigation did not occur prior to his detention, which is violative of Ugandan constitutional protections. Opiyo is the executive director of Chapter Four Uganda.

In recent weeks, Ugandans have witnessed a series of problematic arrests. The country is scheduled to hold presidential elections on January 14.

In her ruling, Justice Okuo Kajuga affirmed the country’s commitment to the principle that an individual is presumed to be innocent. She stated that “…however serious a charge is, it all but remains an allegation. Courts are expected not to deny bail as a punishment.”