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Assange photographed in London last month. AP Photo/Elizabeth Dalziel/PA Images
Assange
WikiLeaks founder Assange loses extradition block bid
Julian Assange is to be sent to Sweden for questioning over sexual assault allegations.
THE FOUNDER OF the controversial document-leaking website WikiLeaks has lost his bid to prevent his extradition to Sweden where he faces questioning over sexual assault allegations.
Two women filed sexual assault complaints against Assange and Swedish authorities have requested his extradition from Britain to assist them in their investigation of the claims.
He denies the allegations.
The 40-year-old Australian has been under house arrest in England for months awaiting the court’s verdict.
Extradition was granted back in February, but Assange launched an appeal against it which was heard in July.
He claimed that he would not receive a fair trial in Sweden and that he risked being handed over to US authorities investigating WikiLeaks if he was extradited to Sweden.
Today, the High Court rejected his appeal against the extradition.
Assange could be granted permission for a further appeal, and if unsuccessful could pursue Supreme Court action to fight the extradition.
- Additional reporting by the AP
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