July date set for WikiLeaks chief extradition appeal

CTVNEWS

July date set for WikiLeaks chief extradition appeal

The Associated Press Published Wednesday, April 6, 2011 9:45AM EDT

The founder of WikiLeaks Julian Assange speaks to the media after his extradition hearing at Belmarsh Magistrates' Court in London, Thursday, Feb. 24, 2011.(AP / Matt Dunham)

Text:

LONDON - Britain's High Court has set a July date to hear an appeal by WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange against extradition to Sweden to face sex crimes allegations.

Court officials said Wednesday that a two-day hearing is scheduled to begin July 12.

In February, a judge ruled that Assange should be extradited to face allegations of rape and sexual molestation against two women. Judge Howard Riddle rejected arguments by Assange's lawyers that he would not get a fair trial in Sweden.

Assange denies wrongdoing and is living on bail at a supporter's rural mansion in eastern England.

Authorities in the United States are investigating whether WikiLeaks violated U.S. laws by releasing tens of thousands of secret government documents.