Julian Assange was freshly shaved and wearing a blue jacket for a hearing in front of Westminster Magistrates' Court in London on Monday - but the Wikileaks founder made a very poor impression. On his first public appearance since his arrest six months ago, the Australian said he could "not think straight".
Despite his well-groomed appearance Assange looked confused. So he could not seem to remember his date of birth and told the judge after the hearing, he had not understood exactly what happened in the courtroom.
Since April, Assange has been serving an almost one-year prison term in the UK for breach of bail. Previously, he had been in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London for seven years to avoid extradition to Sweden for alleged rape allegations in 2010.
Today's hearing, however, took place in connection with the US extradition request, where the Wikileaks founder is accused of publishing secret documents and violations of the anti-spy law. In the case of a guilty verdict in all 18 charges he faces life imprisonment.
Judge refuses to postpone the hearing
An assassination postponed by Assange on Monday rejected the court. The main hearing in extradition proceedings against Assange is scheduled to take place on 28 February as planned.
Assange's lawyers had argued that they needed more time to prepare for trial against their client. This was rejected by Judge Vanessa Baraitser. The court in London will have to decide at the hearing whether the Australian accused in the US of espionage is extradited to the United States.
Assange's defense attorney Mark Summers accused the United States of violating his client's right to confidentiality of legal advice. The US had "invaded" the Ecuadorian Embassy "actively in confidential talks between Assange and his lawyers" by "improperly copying" material stored on phones and computers.
"Very difficult to do anything"
Assange himself complained about the conditions of his detention in London's maximum security prison Belmarsh. He wants to get him released on probation. Because of his poor health, there is no danger of flight, he argues. A UN Special Rapporteur, who visited him in prison in early May, said Assange had been subjected to "psychological torture" for years.
In addition, Assange complained that he could not access his writings. It was "very difficult" for him to "do anything" while his opponents had "unlimited resources" at his disposal, he said in a barely audible voice.
