Wikileaks founder Julian Assange refuses to accept US extradition
Wikileaks founder Julian Assange has refused to agree to be extradited to the US to face charges of computer intrusion.
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Speaking via video link at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, Assange defended his work, saying it had protected “many people”.
“I do not wish to surrender for extradition. I’m a journalist winning many, many awards and protecting many people,” he said.
The US has requested the extradition of the Wikileaks founder on charges of conspiracy to commit computer intrusion, and he could face five years in prison if found guilty.
The extradition hearing came a day after the Australian was sentenced to 50 weeks in prison for skipping bail.
Assange spent seven years holed up in the Ecuadorian embassy in London to avoid extradition to Sweden amid allegations of attempted rape. He was dragged out by police last month after Ecuador revoked his asylum.
US prosecutors are pursuing Assange over the publication of classified military documents on Wikileaks in 2010 and have claimed he conspired with US soldier Chelsea Manning to hack into government computers
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The case has been adjourned until 30 May, with a more substantial hearing planned for 12 June.