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Assange’s lawyers ask for more time with client

LAWYERS for Julian Assange told a court today that they have not been allowed sufficient time with the WikiLeaks founder.

Mr Assange, backed by dozens of supporters including rapper and visual artist MIA, attended a 12-minute extradition hearing at Westminster magistrates’ court.

His lawyer Gareth Peirce told the court that a lack of time to speak with her client at HMP Belmarsh threatened to delay the preparation of evidence for his trial.

Mr Assange is being held at the high-security prison while awaiting the outcome of a request for extradition to the United States, where he faces 18 charges including conspiring to hack into a Pentagon computer.

He slowly raised his right fist to the sky as he was led to the holding cells, after District Judge Vanessa Baraitser had granted Ms Peirce extra time with her client.

Mr Assange’s full extradition hearing is scheduled for February 24 at Woolwich crown court.

Speaking outside the court, MIA said: “To give somebody an hour to put their case together is not right.”

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