LONDON (Reuters) - WikiLeaks' founder Julian
Assange is due to appear in a London court
Tuesday 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 U.S. 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
defense 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 December 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."
Source: Http://us.mobile.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE7096RQ20110111?ca=rdt
Assange is due to appear in a London court
Tuesday 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 U.S. 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
defense 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 December 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."
Source: Http://us.mobile.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE7096RQ20110111?ca=rdt
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