The WikiLeaks founder would have been released from HMP Belmarsh on 22 September, Westminster magistrates court heard on Friday, but he was told he would be kept in jail because of “substantial grounds” for believing he would abscond again.
Assange, 48, who is an Australian citizen, appeared by video-link wearing a loose-fitting T-shirt.
District judge Vanessa Baraitser told him: “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. He replied: “Not really. I’m sure the lawyers will explain it.”
Another administrative hearing will take place on 11 October and a case management hearing on 21 October, the court heard. The final extradition hearing is expected in February.
He'll be locked up in Jeffrey Epstein's old suicide cell before you know it.
ReplyDeleteAs a first offender of a non-violent crime Assange should be more than entitled to halving of his sentence, a place in an open prison or electronic house arrest. Instead he's to remain in a maximum security Cat A hellhole like Belmarsh.
ReplyDeleteNever let it be said our judges are "apolitical", especially when our cousins from across the pond apply 'gentle pressure'.