WikiLeaks founder loses battle against extradition

PanARMENIAN.Net - WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has lost his challenge against extradition to Sweden to face allegations of sexual assault.

The 39-year-old Australian computer expert, who has infuriated the U.S. government by releasing thousands of secret diplomatic cables on his website, is wanted in relation to claims made by two WikiLeaks volunteers last August. Assange has repeatedly denied the charges, calling them politically motivated because of WikiLeaks's activities in releasing classified U.S. cables. He previously claimed that a "black box" of accusations against him was being opened to inspection and that the claims of his alleged victims were "empty".

But Judge Howard Riddle, at the Belmarsh Magistrates Court, has ruled that at least one of the allegations made against Assange was tantamount to rape.

The U.S. government is examining whether criminal charges can be brought against him over the diplomatic cables.

Assange has said he would like to return to Australia but accused the Federal Government of having worked against him.

The decision is unlikely to be the final word, with the losing party expected to lodge an appeal which would postpone Assange's ultimate fate for many months.

Mark Stephens, Assange's lawyer, had earlier admitted that he was prepared for bad news but vowed that Assange would keep on fighting. "Both sides, the prosecution and the defense, have told the judge that they are going to appeal if they lose, so we are already working on that principle," he said, ANC News reported.