Boston: The uncle of US President Barack Obama appeared in a Massachusetts district court on Thursday for a hearing on a drunken driving charge and was released on personal recognisance.

Onyango Obama, 67, did not speak when he appeared in the court for a hearing that lasted just about two minutes.

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He has pleaded not guilty. Framingham District Court Judge Robert V. Greco released him on personal recognisance, Boston Globe reported.

At the hearing, the attorney for Onyango Obama and Middlesex prosecutors agreed to continue the case on November 17. Onyango Obama, a Framingham resident was arrested by Framingham police August 24 on drunken driving and other charges.

Before his case was called, Onyango Obama sat quietly in the front row of the courtroom. When his turn came to address the judge, he stood next to his attorney, Scott Bratton, with his hands clasped in front of him.

No description of the circumstances of his arrest was provided in court today. Obama and Bratton left the courthouse without speaking to reporters. The two men boarded a black Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) and drove off.

Following his arrest, Obama was taken into custody on an immigration detainer, but he was released September 9 by the Bureau of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement without a public explanation of the agency`s decision. Onyango Obama was the half-brother of the president`s late father. At the time of his arrest, Obama allegedly told Framingham police, "I think I will call the White House" to arrange bail.

Onyango Obama was ordered by immigration authorities in 1992 to return to his native Kenya. However, he has lived in the Framingham area, working as a clerk.

PTI