WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has said he was unable to adequately prepare for his “very challenging case”, as the computer he had been given in prison was not suitable.
The 48-year-old WikiLeaks founder is accused of leaking US government secrets in one of the largest breaches of confidential information. Appearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court via video-link on Monday, Assange wore a grey prison-issue jumper and spoke only to confirm his identity.
Julian Assange supporters demonstrate outside of the Westminster Magistrates Court on November 18, 2019 in London, England. Picture: Hollie Adams/Getty ImagesHe had his white hair slicked back, appeared to have stubble and wore thin-rimmed glasses which he cleaned on his top before the judge entered. During the five-minute hearing, attended by supporters including his father, John Shipton, Assange’s remand in HMP Belmarsh was extended. John Shipton , father of Julian Assange, leaving Westminster Magistrates Court on November 18, 2019 in London, England. Picture: Hollie Adams/Getty ImagesHe was to be released from the high-security prison in September but was remanded in custody due to fears he would abscond after he spent nearly seven years in the Ecuadorean embassy in London. Gareth Peirce, representing Assange, told the court her client was unable to adequately prepare for his “very challenging case” as the computer he had been given was not suitable. “I will put it on the record, you will understand that we are working extremely hard on this very challenging case; however, the most important of the impediments that we are facing is Mr Assange’s ability to access what he needs to work on his own case,” she said. “After months of battle he was provided with a computer but it is not the sort of computer needed to work on the case.” District Judge Vanessa Baraitser said she had no jurisdiction over prison conditions. Ms Peirce replied she wanted to “exert pressure as best we can” on Belmarsh to improve the computer facilities. A Julian Assange supporter demonstrates outside of the Westminster Magistrates Court on November 18, 2019 in London, England. Picture: Hollie Adams/Getty ImagesSpeaking outside court, a member of Assange’s team said the computer was unlikely to have internet access for research. District Judge Baraitser remanded Assange in custody ahead of a substantive case management hearing next month. He will also appear again at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on December 13 to confirm his remand in prison again before he ultimately appears for full extradition proceedings in February.
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