The WikiLeaks co-founder’s US extradition hearing in London has been delayed, potentially till November, due to the coronavirus pandemic with his defense arguing it made the proceedings ‘medically dangerous’.
Julian Assange’s extradition case has been delayed again after his defense lawyers said the coronavirus outbreak made his trial “impossible” and “medically dangerous.”
A hearing, held by video link at Westminster Magistrates Court, heard that the case could be postponed until as late as November 2 as the saga continued to rumble on.
Judge Vanessa Baraitser vacated the planned hearing on May 18 saying the court would reconvene in a week to fix a date to hear Assange’s case in full.
The prosecution supported the defence’s appeal to delay the hearing, agreeing with barrister Edward Fitzgerald, that it would be “oppressive under the circumstances to require Mr Assange to take part."
Fitzgerald further argued that it would be dangerous for both his client and prison staff to bring the 48-year-old to the courtroom while Britain was locked down.
Judge Baraitser said that both Assange and lawyers for both the defence and prosecution should be “physically present” in the court for the hearing.
The parties will meet again on May 4 to arrange a new date for proceedings to begin with dates lined up for either three non-consecutive weeks starting in July or three consecutive weeks in November.
Think your friends would be interested? Share this story!
source https://www.rt.com/news/486993-assange-extradition-hearing-postponed-covid19/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS
No comments:
Post a Comment