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Wikileaks' Julian Assange in extradition challenge | Wikileaks' Julian Assange in extradition challenge |
(40 minutes later) | |
Lawyers representing Wikileaks founder Julian Assange have asked the High Court to block his extradition to Sweden on sexual assault allegations. | |
Ben Emmerson QC, said his arrest warrant was "flawed" as it failed to fairly describe the claims against him. | |
He said Mr Assange was a victim of a "mismatch" between English and Swedish law on what constituted a sex crime. | |
Mr Assange says the case is politically motivated, as his website has leaked a mass of sensitive US diplomatic cables. | Mr Assange says the case is politically motivated, as his website has leaked a mass of sensitive US diplomatic cables. |
His appeal challenges a ruling at Belmarsh Magistrates' Court in February, which said extradition would not breach his human rights. | His appeal challenges a ruling at Belmarsh Magistrates' Court in February, which said extradition would not breach his human rights. |
District Judge Howard Riddle concluded Mr Assange would get a fair trial if he was ever charged. | District Judge Howard Riddle concluded Mr Assange would get a fair trial if he was ever charged. |
Lavish party | |
The Australian computer expert, 40, is wanted for questioning on three allegations of sexual assault, including one of rape, said to have taken place in Stockholm in August last year. | |
The claims were made by two female Wikileaks volunteers. | The claims were made by two female Wikileaks volunteers. |
His lawyers say the claims against him are not extradition offences and sending him to Sweden would be an abuse of process breaching his human rights. | |
Mr Assange fears extradition to Sweden may lead to him being sent to the US to face separate charges relating to Wikileaks, for which he could face the death penalty. | Mr Assange fears extradition to Sweden may lead to him being sent to the US to face separate charges relating to Wikileaks, for which he could face the death penalty. |
The Australian won bail in December and has been staying at Ellingham Hall, a 10-bedroom Norfolk farmhouse owned by Vaughan Smith, director of the Frontline media club. | The Australian won bail in December and has been staying at Ellingham Hall, a 10-bedroom Norfolk farmhouse owned by Vaughan Smith, director of the Frontline media club. |
His bail conditions include wearing an electronic tag and daily appearances at a nearby police station. | His bail conditions include wearing an electronic tag and daily appearances at a nearby police station. |
A small number of supporters had gathered outside the High Court as Mr Assange arrived. | A small number of supporters had gathered outside the High Court as Mr Assange arrived. |
Mr Assange held a lavish 40th birthday party at Ellingham Hall at the weekend, attended by celebrities and supporters. | Mr Assange held a lavish 40th birthday party at Ellingham Hall at the weekend, attended by celebrities and supporters. |