“Julian Assange to stay in prison after jail sentence ends over absconding fears” by Tim Baker
September 13, 2019 "Information Clearing
House" - Julian Assange will remain in prison after his jail sentence
finishes because of fears he may run away.
The WikiLeaks founder was told this morning
that he would not be freed when his current term for skipping bail expires on
September 22.
Assange, 48, was handed a 50 week jail
sentence in May following his seven year stay in the Ecuadorian Embassy in
London, which ended when he was dragged out of the Knightsbridge property by
the police.
Then home secretary Sajid Javid signed an
order in June allowing Assange to be extradited to the US over computer-hacking
allegations.
Westminster Magistrates Court heard this
morning that there were "substantial grounds" for believing that
Assange would be at risk of absconding.
The WikiLeaks founder appeared by video-link
from HMP Belmarsh wearing a loose-fitting T-shirt.
District Judge Vanessa Baraitser told Assange:
"You have been produced today because your sentence of imprisonment is
about to come to an end.
"When that happens your remand status
changes from a serving prisoner to a person facing extradition.
"Therefore I have given your lawyer an
opportunity to make an application for bail on your behalf and she has declined
to do so. Perhaps not surprisingly in light of your history of absconding in
these proceedings.
"In my view I have substantial ground for
believing if I release you, you will abscond again."
Assange was asked if he understood what was
happening, and replied: "Not really. I'm sure the lawyers will explain
it."
Another administrative hearing will take place
on October 11 followed by a case management hearing on October 21, the court
heard.
This article was originally published by
"Evening Standard"- -
Comments
Post a Comment