Skip to main content
Trump wanted Assange's ‘head on a pike,’ extradition hears
Court artist sketch by Elizabeth Cook of Wikileaks founder Julian Assange in the dock reading his papers as he appears at Belmarsh Magistrates' Court in London for his extradition hearing.

US PRESIDENT Donald Trump wanted Julian Assange’s “head on a pike,” the WikiLeaks founder’s defence said yesterday as his extradition hearing began.

The decision to “ramp up the charges” against Mr Assange was intended to make him an example, Edward Fitzgerald QC said on behalf of the imprisoned journalist.

A knot of protesters gathered outside Woolwich Crown Court in south-east London, with their songs and chants audible in the courtroom throughout.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
THE RESOLVE UNALTERED: Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodriguez, center, makes a statement flanked by Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, right, and National Assembly President, Jorge Rodriguez, at Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas, Venezuela on Wednesday
Features / 16 January 2026
16 January 2026

International solidarity can ensure that Trump and his machine cannot prevail without a level of political and economic cost that he will not want to pay, argues CLAUDIA WEBBE

FW Pomeroy's Statue of Justice stands atop the Central Criminal Court building, Old Bailey, London
Features / 9 August 2025
9 August 2025

ANSELM ELDERGILL examines the government’s proposals to further limit the right of citizens to trial by jury