Saudi princess in trafficking case posts $5M bail

This file photo provided by the Irvine Police Department shows Meshael Alayban, who was arrested July 9, 2013 in Irvine, Calif., for allegedly holding a domestic servant against her will. Alayban, who prosecutors said is one of the wives of Saudi Prince Abdulrahman bin Nasser bin Abdulaziz al Saud, was expected to appear in an Orange County court for arraignment Thursday, July 11, 2013. AP/Irvine Police Department

SANTA ANA, California — A Saudi princess charged with human trafficking has posted $5 million bail a day after her California arrest.

Prosecutors say 42-year-old Meshael Alayban posted bail Thursday after appearing in court to face the felony charge, and was being released from Orange County jail.

District Attorney Tony Rackauckas had asked the judge to set bail at $20 million or deny it entirely, saying it was unlikely any amount would guarantee a Saudi princess would appear in court.

The district attorney's office says Alayban has surrendered her passport, must wear a GPS tracking device and cannot leave Orange County without permission from the court. She's also barred from any contact with the victim.

Alayban did not enter a plea. Her attorney called the case just a dispute over work hours.

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