Attorneys for WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange insisted in the closing arguments of his extradition hearing that the Swedish arrest warrant was not valid, adding that media leaks about the sexual assault allegations against their client had created a "toxic atmosphere" that ensured he could not get a fair trial in Sweden, the Washington Post reports.

British prosecutors representing Sweden dismissed those arguments as "hyperbole" and said the seriousness of the allegations merited his dispatch to Stockholm. Addressing defense claims that Swedish officials had maligned their client in the press, prosecutor Clare Montgomery shot back, "Those who seek to fan the flames of a media firestorm can't be surprised when they get burnt."

Thus closed the first of what is likely to be a protracted set of hearings and appeals in Britain as the 39-year-old Australian battles the attempt to extradite him to Sweden, where he is wanted for questioning for alleged sexual molestation, unlawful coercion and rape. Assange has denied the allegations.

After 21/2 days of arguments this week, Judge Howard Riddle is expected to issue his verdict Feb. 24. But given the various routes of appeal, he conceded the "inevitability" of a challenge, perhaps delaying a resolution for months.