Court OK's Assange Sweden extradition, given 7 days to appeal
WikiLeaker-in-chief to face questions in sex assault investigation
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WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange is to be extradited to Sweden, following a ruling by a judge at South East London's Belmarsh magistrates court this morning.
Assange has seven days to bring an appeal against the extradition to Sweden to face questions regarding two alleged sexual assaults in the country.
Judge Howard Riddle said the allegations of rape and sexual molestation brought by two women were extraditable offences.
"I have specifically considered whether the physical or mental condition of the defendant is such that it would be unjust or oppressive to extradite him," he said in summing up.
"In fact as I am satisfied that extradition is compatible with the defendant’s Convention rights, I must order that Mr Assange be extradited to Sweden."
Defence attorneys had argued that if Assange was extradited, he could end up being forcibly transferred to the US, detained at Guantanamo Bay, and eventually executed.
Assange, 39, said he would appeal against the High Court ruling, according to the BBC.
The WikiLeaks founder has claimed that the allegations brought against him were politically motivated.
Assange has denied any wrongdoing, and said sexual relations with both women were entirely consensual.
Swedish prosecutors have repeatedly requested that Australia-born Assange make himself available for questioning. They issued a warrant for the WikiLeaker's arrest but haven't filed charges in the case.
The full judgment is available here. ®
COMMENTS
Has he been charged with anything?
Given he has been tried by media, it would seem only fair for him to have been charged with something. Anything, but at least charged?
Ian Michael Gumby
Almost entirely wrong. He didn't flee at all. If you knew your stuff, you would know he initially atteneded questioning etc. and the Swedish prosecutors said they wouldn't press charges. He then asked if he could leave the country and they said yes. He therefore left. Then, the Swedish prosector did a complete u-turn, decided they wanted another word and threw their toys out their pram. Can't see he fled or did anything wrong at all. In fact, he acted perfectly during the investigation and decision not to charge.
Lame Decision
This really is a remarkably lame decision and brings extradition into disrepute.
Assange was basically charged with something akin to telling a lie to get a woman into bed. Well, I'm sorry to inform the Swedish, but this is hardly a serious offence and just makes their womenfolk seem stupid. Most women in this country have worked out long ago that men tell lies to get sex........get over it. If you're really that stupid to have sex with a man because he says he loves you a few hours after you've met, you really are stupid.
The Swedish prosecutor has changed her mind continually and been slated by a well respected member of the Swedish judiciary......retired. What he did might be morally wrong and might or might not be against Swedish law. However, it certainly isn't worth an extradition which should be for serious matters only and whilst a 'sex offence', it doesn't really rate against things normally considered sex offences in this country. Also, as the extradition is for questioning only and no charges have been brought....................
Judge is simply getting rid of something awkward rather than deal with it appropriately.
P.S.
For people who think Sweden is a paragon of moral correctness and somehow 'enlightened' compared to this country, you should remember they forcibly steralised various categories of people (including mentally disabled etc.) into the 80s before stopping. Now, if you want a crime, perhaps they should go back over that one............
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