WikiLeaks’ Assange loses bid to block extradition

2 Nov 2011

WikiLeaks' editor-in-chief Julian Assange

WikiLeaks’ editor-in-chief Julian Assange has failed in his bid to block his extradition to Sweden to face sexual assault charges. The High Court in the UK rejected his appeal.

The decision comes just a week after WikiLeaks was forced to shut down, claiming attempts by global online finance players to block donations caused it to run out of money.

Attempts by Swedish authorities to arrest Assange over the sexual assault allegations resulted in a lengthy court battle in the UK, with Assange claiming he would not get a fair trial in Sweden.

Extradition was granted back in February but an appeal launched by Assange was heard in July.

However, this morning it emerged that the High Court in London rejected his appeal.

The 40-year-old Australian stayed with friends in the UK while the appeals were being heard and he has been adamant in his belief that extradition to Sweden will only result in him being handed over to US authorities keen to strike back over the Afghanistan military and diplomatic cables that were leaked online last year.

John Kennedy is a journalist who served as editor of Silicon Republic for 17 years

editorial@siliconrepublic.com