Julian Assange’s defence team ends arguments in appeal case
13 Jul 2011
London: Lawyers for WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange wrapped up two days of arguments on Wednesday against his extradition to Sweden to face rape allegations. The current hearing deals with Assange's appeal to overturn a lower court's rejection in February of his arguments that he would be unfairly treated in Sweden.
Assange's newly appointed lawyer, Mark Summers, closed the defence's case on Wednesday by stressing that the European arrest warrant issued by Sweden was invalid because Assange is only wanted for questioning and is yet to be charged.
He pointed out that the European Commission had issued guidance that European arrest warrants should not be issued in circumstances where there is a "less onerous" alternative.
"The reality of this case is also that no decision to prosecute or charge has been made. The preliminary investigation remains open," he said.
"There was from the very outset of this case an easier way to proceed, a more proportionate way to proceed," he told the court.
Swedish authorities want to question Assange over the sex assault claims made by two women. These are allegations which he denies. He is yet to be formally charged.
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