News Report: Extradition Process For WikiLeaks' Founder Begins

Julian Assange

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange is in custody in Britain after being arrested by British police under a European Arrest Warrant issued by Sweden over allegations of sex crimes.

Here are details of the extradition process he faces:

Assange made an initial appearance in London's City of Westminster court Tuesday over the allegations made by two Swedish WikiLeaks volunteers. He was remanded in custody although his lawyers can appeal against the refusal to grant him bail.

He is due back at the same court for an extradition hearing on December 14. If the District Judge is satisfied that Assange is wanted for the crimes in question, that extradition would not breach his human rights and there are no other legal bars, then the court will order him to be extradited.

If there is no appeal, he must be extradited within 10 days.

However, Assange can appeal against the decision but must do so within seven days. The appeal process at London's High Court must commence within 40 days, although the court can extend this period in the "interests of justice."

Should the High Court uphold the extradition decision, a further appeal can be made to Britain's Supreme Court but this can only be done on a point of law considered to be of general public interest. The Supreme Court ruling is the end of the process.
 
From: Reuters