Assange lawyers raise specter of Guantanamo Bay
LONDON. February 7. KAZINFORM Lawyers for WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange argue that he could ultimately end up in Guantanamo Bay or be executed if he is extradited to Sweden to face questioning about sex allegations, according to papers they released Monday; Kazinform refers to CNN.
If Britain extradites him to Sweden, the Nordic country could in turn send him to the United States to face espionage charges, the lawyers argue.
They are making their case in a two-day extradition hearing that opened Monday in a London court.
Prosecutors in Sweden want him for questioning in connection with sexual misconduct allegations unrelated to WikiLeaks.
Assange has denied the allegations, and is free on 200,000 pounds ($310,000) bail while he fights extradition.
Prosecutor Clare Montgomery, representing Sweden, dismissed the defense claim that Sweden would would hand Assange over to the United States.
The "suggestion that Sweden provides no protection against human rights violations is unfounded," she argued, adding that Britain would have the right to intervene if Washington asked Sweden for Assange.
The British courts are requiring Assange to stay at the mansion of a supporter outside London each night and check in daily with police. He is also required to wear an electronic tag to monitor his location; Kazinform cites CNN.
To read more visit www.cnn.com