A New Zealand activist is among 12 Greenpeace members to be released from prison in Russia after being granted bail.
New Zealander David Haussmann was told of his release at bail hearing on Tuesday night (NZT) along with eight others from Canada, Argentina, Poland, France, Italy and Brazil.
Three Russian activists were granted bail on Monday night (NZT).
The group of 30 activists, dubbed the Arctic 30, have been held by Russian authorities since September, when two of the activists tried to scale an Arctic oil platform.
The hearings, which are taking place at a St Petersburg court, will determine which of the 30 activists being held can be freed until their trials.
The Greenpeace members granted bail have four days to come up with two million rubles ($NZ72,800) surety.
On Monday, Australian Colin Russell, was refused bail and ordered to remain in custody until February 24 next year.
He's the only activist to so far be refused release and no reason for his different treatment was given by the courts, Greenpeace says.
"In the space of two mornings we have had good news and bad, and the good news comes with a warning. We still have no idea what conditions our friends will endure when they are released from jail, whether they will be held under house arrest or even allowed outside," Greenpeace spokesman Kumi Naidoo said.
"What we do know for certain is that they are still charged and could spend years behind bars if they are convicted for a crime they did not commit, and we remain baffled and heartbroken that our colleague Colin was refused bail and sent back to prison for three months."
Greenpeace says it will vigorously challenge the decision to keep Mr Russell in jail.
The bailed activists don't have their passports and it's likely they may have to stay in Russia despite their release, Greenpeace says.
The crew members, who come from 18 different countries including Australia and New Zealand, were originally charged with piracy, which carries a maximum term of 15 years behind bars.
But the Investigative Committee said the charges would be downgraded to hooliganism, an offence that can be punished by a maximum of seven years in prison.
Between six to eight activists will learn their fate at further hearings on Wednesday night (NZT).
New Zealander Jonathan Beauchamp is yet to front court and his hearing date has not been confirmed, Greenpeace says.
"The Arctic 30 will not be free until every last one of them is back home with their families" Mr Naidoo said.
NZN