12 Jan 2011

Extradition hearing date set for Assange

9:17 am on 12 January 2011

Wikileaks founder Julian Assange has appeared in court in London as part of extradition proceedings over accusations of sexual assault.

His lawyer says Mr Assange is ready to fight extradition to Sweden over the claims made by two women.

He appeared before District Judge Nicholas Evans for a 10-minute hearing on Tuesday at Belmarsh Magistrates' Court, sitting at Woolwich Crown Court.

The BBC reports he spoke only to confirm his name, age and address

A two-day extradition hearing was set for 7 - 8 February.

Mr Assange, 39, an Australian, was released on bail by a High Court judge just before Christmas after spending nine days in Wandsworth prison.

He denies sexually assaulting two female supporters during a visit to Stockholm in August.

Mr Assange and his supporters claim the inquiry is politically motivated.