Assange extradition hearing in Feb

Sweden's attempt to extradite WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, 39, for questioning on sexual assault allegations will be examined by a London court on February 7-8.

Sweden's attempt to extradite WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, 39, for questioning on sexual assault allegations will be examined by a London court on February 7-8.

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District Judge Nicholas Evans set the date for the full extradition hearing during a 10-minute hearing at Woolwich Crown Court in southeast London.

Watched by dozens of journalists from around the world, the Australian spoke only to confirm his name and address.

After the hearing, Assange told journalists: "We are happy about today's outcome." He added: "Our work with WikiLeaks continues unabated." WikiLeaks will step up its publication schedule of secret documents.

Meanwhile, Assange fears he could face the death penalty in the US, defence documents say. His lawyer said there was a "real risk" the US would then seek extradition over the leaking of the diplomatic cables.