U.S. by Way of Sweden?

(Posted on 25/02/11)

One of Julian Assange's biggest concerns when he petitioned a UK court to not extradite him to Sweden was that he feared Swedish authorities would then turn him over to the U.S. Today, and after hearing nearly three days of testimony, Judge Howard Riddle released his 28 page ruling and said not only was it highly unlikely Sweden would turn him over to American authorities, but there existed no reason to believe that was even a possibility. The judge also went through the defense's extradition filing verbatim and addressed each of the team's concerns. He wrapped up by saying, "There is simply no reason to believe an error has been made".

Assange will likely find himself in Swedish courtroom by the time summer rolls around, according to one of his lawyers. His legal team says it looks forward to finally vindicating Assange. One of its arguments presented in the UK courtroom was that Assange's actions, had they been committed on UK soils, would not have constituted rape or sexual assault on any level, therefore, it did not constitute an extraditable offense.

There are those who aren't so sure, however. Claes Borgstrom, one of the lawyers representing the two women who say Assange sexually assaulted them, said, "It's just too bad that it took so long. Assange will probably appeal this decision for some reason that is hard to understand. He claims that he hasn't committed a crime so he should just come here and sort it out."

News media reported "around a dozen" WikiLeaks and Assange supporters were around the courthouse before Assange arrived. Signs read, "Free Julian Assange" and amongst the crowd were a few of his celebrity followers, including Bianca Jagger.

Assange and his lawyers now have seven days to appeal, which his legal team insists it will do. If they do, it could result in at least several more months of delays. Judge Riddle did continue his bail, along with the requirement that he wear an electronic monitoring device and to remain in his current location. He must also still check in each evening with law enforcement.