Wikileaks founder Julian Assange is set to face trial in Sweden for sexual assault charges, after a UK Judge approved his extradition.
Wikileaks founder Julian Assange is set to face trial in Sweden for sexual assault charges, after a UK Judge approved his extradition.
District Judge Howard Riddle said the extradition would not breach Mr Assange’s human rights.
Mr Assange said the ruling, which he will challenge, was due to a “European Arrest Warrant system run amok”.
The 39-year-old denies three allegations of sexual assault and one of rape last August in Stockholm.
He believes the claims are politically motivated because of Wikileaks’ publication of sensitive material – including leaked US diplomatic cables – from governments and high-profile organisations that has made headlines worldwide.
Mr Assange has been released on bail on the same terms he was granted in December.
Bail was granted then after he had spent nine days in Wandsworth prison in London following his arrest under a European Arrest Warrant on 7 December.
Following the extradition ruling on Thursday, Mr Assange said: “What we saw today at Belmarsh was a rubber-stamping process. It comes as no surprise, but is nonetheless wrong.
The judge said he was confident Julian Assange was wanted in Sweden purely over sex assault allegations. His most critical comment toward the authorities was directed at Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt, whom he accused of “improper intervention”.
“There was no consideration during this entire process as to the merits of the allegations made against me, no consideration or examination of even the complaints made in Sweden.”
He added: “We have always known that in all likelihood we would have to appeal.”
