Julian Assange’s lawyer Mark Stephens hit out at the Swedish authorities’ decision to appeal against his client’s bail ruling, the Telegraph reports.
Stephens accused Swedish authorities of launching a politically motivated “persecution” against Assange, a claim they deny.
The 39-year-old Wikileaks founder accused of sexual assault by two Swedish women was granted bail for £240,000 at the City of Westminster Magistrates’ Court after being given an address to reside at in the UK. Assange denies the allegations.
”Finally after two hours we have heard the Swedes want to appeal against the bail conditions and put Mr Assange through yet more trouble, more expense and more hurdles,” Stephens told reporters outside City of Westminister Magistrates Court.
“It is really turning into a show trial and we will be in court again within the next 48 hours as soon as we have all the information.” “It is an unfortunate state of affairs given that we were obviously very relieved for Mr Assange a few hours ago now that the Swedes have taken this position. But given their persecution of Mr Assange perhaps it is not surprising.”
Sweden is currently seeking Assange’s extradition.
