WikiLeaks' Assange refused bail

2010-12-07 127


WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has been remanded in custody after appearing in court on an extradition warrant.


The 39-year-old Australian is wanted by prosecutors in Sweden over claims he sexually assaulted two women.


District Judge Howard Riddle refused bail on the grounds there was a risk he would fail to surrender.


Assange was ordered to appear again before City of Westminster Magistrates' Court on December 14.


Jemima Khan, the sister of Tory MP Zac Goldsmith, film director Ken Loach and veteran journalist John Pilger all offered to stand as surety for Assange.


British media had reported that Assange was in Britain after WikiLeaks released a trove of cables exposing the inner workings of American diplomacy.