Decision on WikiLeaks founder extradition expected next week

PanARMENIAN.Net - Seven-strong panel of justices will rule on whether European arrest warrant issued for WikiLeaks founder is valid, The Guardian reports.

The supreme court will deliver its verdict next Wednesday on whether or not Julian Assange, should be deported to Sweden to face allegations of rape and sexual assault.

The short judgment on May 30 will include an explanation of the decision the seven-strong panel of justices reaches. It is expected to focus on the narrow issue of whether or not a European arrest warrant (EAW) issued by a prosecutor is valid.

EU treaty provisions governing extradition specify that a warrant must be drawn up by "competent judicial authorities". Lawyers for Assange argue that a prosecutor is not a judge or a "judicial" official.

Clare Montgomery QC, for the Swedish authorities, maintained that the arrest warrant was valid because judicial authorities, at least in the preliminary stages of investigations where arrest is being sought, need not be independent and impartial.

If the supreme court blocks the Swedish extradition request it will throw the EAW system into turmoil and have significant implications for other extradition cases within Europe.

The seven justices who heard the appeal are Lord Phillips, Lord Walker, Lady Hale, Lord Brown, Lord Mance, Lord Kerr and Lord Dyson. The fact that so many judges are considering the case suggests that they recognize it is a particularly complex and significant issue. The two-day appeal hearing was held at the beginning of February.

Assange denies the allegations against him.