Assange granted technical leave to appeal

David Heath
Tuesday, 06 December 2011 13:00

IT People - People

Wikileaks founder, Julian Assange has been granted the right of appeal to the Supreme Court of the UK against his impending extradition to Sweden. Of the two grounds cited in the request for leave to appeal, one was accepted for further consideration, the other rejected.

Maintaining the fear that Assange's impending extradition to Sweden to face alleged sexual assault charges could lead to an on-transfer to luxury accommodation in a USA prison, his legal team continues to fight against this initial step.

"The High Court has decided that an issue that arises from my own case is of general public importance and may be of assistance in other cases and should be heard at the Supreme Court," Assange said following a court hearing in London on Monday to consider his request for leave to appeal.

The 'issue' Assange refers to is the pivotal point as to whether the person who signed the European arrest warrant was a 'judicial officer,' as required by law.  It would appear the second grounds of appeal, that no arrest warrant had been issued (Assange is still only wanted for questioning) was rejected.  The decision was handed down by Sir John Thomas, president of the Queen's bench division, and Mr Justice Ouseley - the same two judges who rejected his recent appeal.

Although this ruling permits Assange to request the Supreme Court hear his appeal, there is no compulsion upon the court to hear the appeal.