Assange case may be delayed

Feb 09, 2011 |

Correspondent

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London, Feb. 8: The extradition case against Mr Julian Assange, the founder of whistle-blowing website WikiLeaks, is expected to be delayed beyond the two days initially set for the case. The second day of the hearing continued on Tuesday as retired Swedish prosecutor, Mr Sven Erik Alhem, and Mr Assange’s Swedish lawyer, Mr Björn Hurtig, gave evidence as defence witnesses.

The hearing, which started at 10.30 am on Tuesday in Belmarsh magistrates’ court located in Woolwich crown court in south-east London, re-started with evidence of Mr Alhem who was later cross-examined by prosecutor, Mr Clare Montgomery QC. The questioning of Mr Alhem continued till 12.30 pm and Mr Hurtig came to the witness stand.

It seems likely now the speculation that the extradition case will have to be extended due to need for more time to examine defence witnesses is going to come true.

Earlier on Tuesday morning, the huge group of journalists outside the court were sure that the case would be extended beyond two days and the continuing examination of Mr Hurtig is definitely pointing to the delay.

Mr Assange was arrested on December 7 and was released on £240,000 bail on December 16.

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