WikiLeaks' Assange fights extradition to Sweden
By RAPHAEL G. SATTER and CASSANDRA VINOGRAD, Associated Press
Dec 7, 2010 9:14 AM CST
FILE - This is a Thursday, Nov. 4, 2010 file photo of Wikileaks founder Julian Assange gestures as he speaks about the United States and the human rights during a press conference at the Geneva press club in Geneva, Switzerland. Police say WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has been arrested on Swedish...   (Associated Press)

A British judge has denied ball for WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, who told a London court he intends to fight his extradition to Sweden on sex crime allegations.

Judge Howard Riddle told Assange that he had "substantial grounds" to believe the 39-year-old Australian wouldn't turn up for subsequent proceedings. He then put Assange into U.K. custody ahead of an extradition hearing.

Assange faces allegations of sex crimes in Sweden. He denies the accusations.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

LONDON (AP) _ WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange told a London court on Tuesday he intends to fight his extradition to Sweden on sex crime allegations, setting up what could be a drawn-out legal battle.

The 39-year-old Australian appeared before City of Westminster Magistrates' Court after turning himself in to Scotland Yard earlier Tuesday to face a Swedish arrest warrant.

He was asked whether he understood that he could consent to be extradited to Sweden, where he faces allegations of rape, molestation and unlawful coercion.

Clearing his throat, Assange said: "I understand that and I do not consent."

Assange denies the allegations, which stem from a visit to Sweden in August. Assange and his lawyers claim the accusations stem from a "dispute over consensual but unprotected sex," and have said the case has taken on political overtones.

Swedish prosecutor Marianne Ny has rejected those claims.

Lawyers for Assange and the British government were still arguing on Tuesday over whether Assange should be granted bail.

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