Coronavirus: Julian Assange loses bail bid amid infection fears

Julian Assange claims his poor health puts him at heightened risk if he catches COVID-19, and infection is more likely in prison.

Julian Assange has lost his bid to get bail over coronavirus. Picture: AFP.

A judge has rejected an appeal from Australian WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to be bailed from a London jail because of the coronavirus.

Mr Assange told the Westminster Magistrates Court that he was at increased risk of contracting the virus while in Belmarsh prison, south London.

But district judge Vanessa Baraitser said Assange’s past behaviour – alluding to him seeking asylum in the Ecuardor embassy in London for nearly seven years – was an indication of his flight risk.

“As matters stand today this global pandemic does not, of itself, yet provide grounds for Mr Assange’s release,” Judge Baraitser said.

“In my view there are substantial grounds to believe that if I released him today, he would not return to face his extradition hearing.

“There are no conditions that allay this concern and this application is therefore refused.”

Assange’s defence lawyer Edward Fitzgerald QC outlined some health conditions suffered by Assange, 48, which put him at higher risk if he caught the virus. They included chest and tooth infections, and osteoporosis.

Mr Fitzgerald said: “If he continues to be detained in prison … there is a real risk that his health and his life will be seriously endangered in circumstances from which he cannot escape.’’

He also raised concerns that the ongoing pandemic might hinder the progress of the extradition trial which is due to convene on May 18.

Witnesses for Mr Assange include some people living overseas, the court heard. It was also revealed that Assange’s partner and two children were residing in the UK.

Assange is being held in Belmarsh on remand while the US extradition hearing continues. The WikiLeaks founder faces 17 US charges of spying and one of computer hacking for publishing classified US documents obtained from the former US soldier Chelsea Manning.