WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has arrived at the High Court for an appeal against being extradited to Sweden over sexual assault allegations. Assange is challenging a ruling by District Judge Howard Riddle at Belmarsh Magistrates' Court in south London that extradition would not breach his human rights.
He has described the extradition ruling as "rubber-stamping" and the result of a "European arrest warrant system run amok". Assange says the allegations were politically-motivated, particularly after the WikiLeaks website published a mass of leaked
American diplomatic cables that rocked the US government.
He said nothing as he arrived at the court in London with lawyers. A handful of supporters gathered outside the entrance to greet him. Assange hosted a lavish 40th birthday party at the weekend attended by celebrity guests and supporters.
Assange's lawyers are expected to argue that the alleged offences are not extradition offences and sending him to Sweden would be an abuse of process and incompatible with his rights under the European Convention on Human Rights. They are also expected to challenge the validity of the arrest warrant and complain that it did not contain a proper, fair and accurate description of the alleged sexual misconduct.
Although not charged, the Australian computer expert faces questioning on three allegations of sexual assault and one of rape, said to have been committed in Stockholm last August. The accusations were made by two female WikiLeaks volunteers. Assange has expressed fears that extradition to Sweden could be a stepping stone to being sent to the US to stand trial on fresh charges relating to WikiLeaks, and he could even face the death penalty.