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Wikileaks' Julian Assange in extradition challenge Wikileaks' Julian Assange in extradition challenge
(40 minutes later)
Wikileaks founder Julian Assange is at the High Court in London to appeal against his extradition to Sweden on sexual assault allegations. Lawyers representing Wikileaks founder Julian Assange have asked the High Court to block his extradition to Sweden on sexual assault allegations.
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. Ben Emmerson QC, said his arrest warrant was "flawed" as it failed to fairly describe the claims against him.
They are also expected to challenge the validity of his arrest warrant. 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.
Lavish party
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.
The Australian computer expert 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. 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 are expected to tell the High Court that his arrest warrant did not fairly or accurately describe the sexual assault claims he faces. 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.