Belmarsh: US appeal to extradite Julian Assange

The small group, who have speakers and signs reading "free Julian Assange" have been there from the early hours of Wednesday ahead of a two-day legal challenge by the US against a decision not to grant extradition.

Sadia Kokni, 40, from Merton, south-west London, told the PA news agency: "It's so greatly important to be here, it's not just important for journalists it's important for everyone globally.

HMP Belmarsh in south east London

"It's because of the atrocities he has exposed, he's a justice and truth seeker who stands up for everyone - we're here to make sure justice happens."

Assange, 50, is wanted in the US on allegations of a conspiracy to obtain and disclose national defence information following WikiLeaks' publication of hundreds of thousands of leaked documents relating to the Afghanistan and Iraq wars.

The US want to extradite Assange from HMP Belmarsh in Woolwich to face charges on American soil, but a British judge rejected the request earlier this year.

James Andrew, 57, from Haywards Heath in East Sussex, added: "This is an abuse of human rights and the legal justice.

Julian Assange

"This can't set a precedent that America can choose to punish somebody who is telling a truth that embarrasses them."

Supporters of Julian Assange began chanting and playing loud music outside the High Court.

The small crowd held signs reading "No extradition" and "Truth" before beginning chants of "Free Julian Assange".

They mounted banners and posters on the court railings, while a van bearing Assange's face was parked nearby.

Supporters were also seen setting up a marquee outside the court.

Julian Assange's partner outside the High Court - PA

Among them was Nicholas Rainer, 26, from Barking, east London, who said: "Any time Julian is in court I'm here as well. They keep trying to silence him and that means they're trying to silence us.

"He should be free - there's no reason for this to keep happening. Hopefully the court do the right thing."

The partner of Julian Assange has said she is concerned for his health ahead of the US Government's appeal against extradition.

Speaking outside the High Court on Wednesday, Stella Moris told reporters: "It is completely unthinkable that the UK courts could agree to this.

"I'm very concerned for Julian's health, I saw him on Saturday, he's very thin.

"I hope the courts will end this nightmare, that Julian is able to come home soon and that wise heads prevail.

"We're very concerned that he's not able to be here today to give instruction to his lawyers, to be able to ask for clarifications about what's going on in court.

"Julian should never be extradited."

The editor of WikiLeaks has said it is an "outrage" that Julian Assange will not be physically in court for the US appeal against his extradition.

Kristinn Hrafnsson told reporters outside the High Court: "We have just had it confirmed that Julian Assange will not be here in person today - he was denied that opportunity.

"He is going to be appearing via videolink, but how can he interact with his lawyers from Belmarsh Prison?

"How can this be allowed in any form? He has been deprived of being present here while his life is being decided.

"That is an outrage."

Assange's father John Shipton has also arrived at the court.

Julian Assange will not be attending the start of the US government's appeal against the decision not to extradite him.

Shortly before the start of the hearing on Wednesday, his barrister, Edward Fitzgerald QC, told court staff his client would not attend, for reasons to be explained later.

A video-link between Belmarsh Prison and the Royal Courts of Justice was shown in court, displaying what appeared to be an empty conference room in the jail.