Swedish extradition case:
Assange due in UK court
UK: WikiLeaks’ founder Julian Assange was due to appear in a London
court yesterday as lawyers draw the battle lines in his fight to avoid
extradition to Sweden for questioning about alleged sex crimes. The
mainly procedural hearing at the top security Belmarsh Magistrates’
Court, due to start at 1000 GMT, is likely to confirm the date for a
full extradition hearing which is expected in early February.
The 39-year-old Australian computer expert, who has infuriated
Washington by releasing details of secret US diplomatic cables on his
website, has protested his innocence over claims of sexual misconduct
against two women.
“The hearing Tuesday is to ensure that the real issues in the case
are identified and that preparation of the case is progressing in a
timely fashion,” said a spokesman for Britain’s courts service.
It will also decide elements of the legal process, such as which
documents the prosecutors and defence lawyers should provide and whether
any witnesses should be called up.
British police arrested Assange last month on a European warrant
issued by Sweden following allegations made by two WikiLeaks’
volunteers.
After spending nine days in jail, he was released on bail on Dec. 16
after his supporters raised a surety of 200,000 pounds ($312,000).
As part of his bail conditions, Assange must stay at a mansion in
eastern England, abide by a curfew, report to police daily and wear an
electronic tag. Assange has described the curbs on him as “hi-tech house
arrest”.
London, Tuesday, Reuters
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