WikiLeaks publisher Julian Assange loses bid to be bailed over Coronavirus threat

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange on Wednesday failed in his bid to be bailed after he argued that he was at risk of catching coronavirus in the British prison where he is being held. Assange is currently in the high-security Belmarsh prison in south London as he fights an extradition request by the United States to stand trial there on espionage charges.

"As matters stand today, this global pandemic does not as of itself provide grounds for Mr. Assange's release," said judge Vanessa Baraitser at Westminster Magistrates' Court. Baraitser pointed out that the 48-year-old, who followed proceedings via videolink, had already violated a bail order when he fled to the Ecuadorian embassy in 2012.

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At that time, Swedish authorities were attempting to extradite him over sexual assault claims that were later dropped. Assange's lawyer, Edward Fitzgerald, said there was currently no COVID-19 case at Belmarsh but 100 prison officers were off work and there was a "very real risk -- and the risk could be fatal".

WikiLeaks on Monday released a statement saying, "Julian Assange falls into a category of persons who should be released to mitigate the impact of COVID-19." Julian Assange's parents on March 11 raised concerns about their son contracting Coronavirus in prison citing "substandard healthcare" in prisons. 

Concern has been raised for the Australian's health behind bars, and he has had a history of illness, including respiratory infections. His full extradition hearing is due to resume for three weeks in mid-May, when witnesses will be called and cross-examined, with an eventual ruling expected by August at the latest. But proceedings could be delayed, as court hearings have been affected by the coronavirus outbreak.

Julian Assange Case

The WikiLeaks publisher faces charges under the US Espionage Act for the 2010 release of a trove of secret files detailing aspects of US military campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as a single computer hacking charge. A ruling against Assange could see him jailed for 175 years. Britain is currently considering releasing some inmates in England and Wales to ease the pressure on prisons, where 10 percent of staff are off work after displaying virus symptoms.

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(With PTI inputs)