Assange too ill to appear via video link in extradition hearing

Thursday, 30 May 2019 14:43

Julian Assange has missed his court hearing via a video link from a British prison, with his lawyers saying his health has deteriorated severely.

Assange's lawyer Gareth Peirce said he is now incapable of even holding a conversation.

WikiLeaks said he had been moved to a health ward at Britain's Belmarsh prison, and he has lost a lot of weight.

Assange was scheduled to appear in court for a US extradition hearing over hacking and espionage charges.

The next hearing on the extradition request was set for June 12.

More from International

Netanyahu says Israel to decide which international forces in Gaza acceptable

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday Israel would determine which foreign forces it would allow as part of a planned international force in Gaza to help secure an end to its war under US President Donald Trump's plan.
Two suspects in Louvre jewel heist case arrested in Paris

Two suspects in the brazen daylight heist of some of France's crown jewels from the Louvre were arrested in Paris on Saturday evening and are being questioned, Le Parisien newspaper reported on Sunday, citing sources close to the investigation.
Russian attack on Kyiv kills three, injures 31

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for new strong sanctions against Russia and its allies after Russian drones killed three and injured 31, including six children, in an overnight air attack on Kyiv.
PKK announces withdrawal from Turkey

The outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) said on Sunday it was withdrawing from Turkey as part of a disarmament process it is coordinating with the government, and pressed Ankara for concrete measures to move the process along.
Israeli military says it conducted 'targeted strike' in central Gaza

Israeli forces carried out a "targeted strike" on an individual in central Gaza who was planning to attack Israeli troops, Israel's military said on Saturday.