Assange begins legal fight against US extradition

WikiLeaks co-founder Julian Assange on Thursday began his legal fight against being extradited to the US from the UK to face charges of allegedly leaking American Government secrets.

The 47-year-old, who appeared by video link at Westminster Magistrates’ Court a day after he was sentenced to 50 weeks in jail for breaching bail conditions, told Judge he did not consent to being extradited to the US.

“I do not wish to surrender myself for extradition for doing journalism that has won many awards and protected many people,” he said. The hearing marked the start of a long-drawn extradition process, with the next case management listing scheduled for May 30.