WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange back in court, loses bid to have extradition hearing delayed
- A clean-shaven Assange appeared in a London court for a hearing on whether he should be extradited to the US to face spying charges
- His legal team says the case has many facets and will need a ‘mammoth’ amount of preparation, but the judge denied the request to delay it
Assange, dressed in a navy suit and light blue jumper, raised his fist to supporters in the public gallery. He was cleanly shaven, in contrast to the long beard he had grown while holed up in Ecuador’s embassy.
His legal team on Monday sought to delay his full extradition hearing, which is set for five days in February. His lawyer said more time is needed to prepare his defence against “unprecedented” use of espionage charges against a journalist, and that the case has many facets which will require a “mammoth” amount of planning and preparation.
A lawyer representing the US said they would oppose any delay. Judge Vanessa Baraitser then denied his bid for a three-month delay.
Speaking softly and at times appearing to be near tears, Assange said he did not understand the proceedings, and that the case is not “equitable” because the US government has “unlimited resources” while he does not have easy access to his lawyers or to documents needed to prepare his battle against extradition while he is confined to Belmarsh Prison on the outskirts of London.
“They have all the advantages,” he said.
Admirers have hailed Assange as a hero for exposing what they describe as abuse of power by modern states and for championing free speech.
His detractors have painted him as a dangerous figure complicit in Russian efforts to undermine the West and US security, and dispute that he is a journalist.
‘175 years of my life’s at stake’: Assange’s US extradition case set for 2020
In 2012, he took refuge in Ecuador’s London embassy to avoid extradition to Sweden where he was accused of sex crimes which he denied, saying he believed he would ultimately be sent on to the United States.
He was dragged from the embassy in April after seven years and given a 50-week jail term for skipping bail. That sentence was completed but he remains in prison while the extradition case is being prepared. He is facing a number of serious charges including espionage. The first extended hearing is set for early next year but may be delayed.
The public gallery of the Westminster Magistrates’ Court was jammed with Assange supporters, and outside the courthouse others carried placards calling for Assange to be released.
