WikiLeaks: Julian Assange 'Faces Execution or Guantánamo Detention'

Julian Assange 'Faces Execution or Guantánamo Detention'

Skeleton argument outlined by Australian's defence team claims he could face rendition to US if extradited to Sweden
by Esther Addley

Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, could be at "real risk" of the death penalty or detention in Guantánamo Bay if he is extradited to Sweden on accusations of rape and sexual assault, his lawyers claim.

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He later emerged to give a brief statement to a large number of reporters, saying: "Our work with WikiLeaks continues unabated. We are stepping up our publications for matters relating to Cablegate and other materials. "These will shortly be available through our newspaper partners around the world – big and small newspapers and human rights organisations."

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In a skeleton summary of their defence against attempts by the Swedish director of public prosecutions to extradite him, released today, Assange's legal team argue that there is a similar likelihood that the US would subsequently seek his extradition "and/or illegal rendition", "where there will be a real risk of him being detained at Guantánamo Bay or elsewhere".

"Indeed, if Mr Assange were rendered to the USA, without assurances that the death penalty would not be carried out, there is a real risk that he could be made subject to the death penalty.It is well known that prominent figures have implied, if not stated outright, that Mr Assange should be executed."

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http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2011/jan/11/julian-assange-wikileaks-execution-gantanamo