WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to remain in jail

He was supposed to walk free from jail next week but a judge has ruled WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange can’t be trusted.

Julian Assange will remain in custody while he awaits an extradition hearing to the United States, even though his 50-week sentence for breaching bail was due to end next week.

A London court was told tonight that Assange could not be trusted to be released because he had previously tried to avoid facing court.

Assange now faces the prospect of spending several years in jail while his extradition hearing plays out, with the next court appearance in February.

The United States has laid 18 charges against him, which carry a maximum sentence of 175 years.

District Judge Vanessa Baraitser told Assange, who appeared in court tonight via video link from south east London’s Belmarsh prison, the news that his jail time will be extended beyond September 22 for the new charges.

New witness in alleged Assange rape case

Why Pammy would sell her house for Assange

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange’s jail time has been extended. Picture: AFP

“You have been produced today because your sentence of imprisonment is about to come to an end,” she said.

“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, who was wearing a loose fitting T-shirt, was asked if he understood what was happening, and replied: “Not really. I’m sure the lawyers will explain it.”

MORE NEWS:

Australia’s wellness moguls seriously cashing in

Hugh Jackman gets highest Aussie honour

The 40 most influential Asian-Australians revealed

Boris Johnson denies lying to the Queen

Another administrative hearing will take place on October 11 followed by a case management hearing on October 21, the court heard.

The final hearing in Assange’s extradition case is due in February.

He entered the Ecuadorean embassy in London in 2012 to avoid extradition to Sweden, where he remains wanted in connection with sexual offence allegations.

Assange spent nearly seven years living inside until being dramatically dragged out by police in April after Ecuador revoked his political asylum.

[e-mail]

Originally published as WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to remain in jail