Julian Assange hearing: WikiLeaks founder fails to appear in court over ‘grave concerns’ for health

Leak group says 47-year-old has ‘dramatically’ lost weight in recent weeks

Julian Assange has failed to appear in court – in person or by video link – for a hearing on his extradition to the US because he is too ill, amid “grave concerns” for his health.

The Wikileaks founder was due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.

The five-minute hearing went ahead in his absence.

It came hours after the group released a statement saying the 47-year-old had been moved to the medical wing of HMP Belmarsh.

The Australian’s “health has continued to deteriorate and he has dramatically lost weight” behind bars, it said, after his arrest at the Ecuadorian embassy.

Earlier this month he was sentenced to 50 weeks in prison for breaching bail.

The Ministry of Justice said it does not disclose details relating to the medical condition of any prisoners.

However, a government source told The Independent that although Assange was being kept on the hospital wing of the prison, he was receiving the same diet as other inmates and is eating normally.

Washington wants Assange to face allegations he unlawfully published the names of classified sources, plus conspired with and helped ex-US army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning in accessing classified information.

After American officials announced a slew of charges last week, journalists, lawyers and academics warned that the action risked criminalising traditional reporting practices.

Assange’s next UK hearing will take place on 12 June.

Chief magistrate Emma Arbuthnot told Westminster Magistrates’ Court: “It may be that that hearing will take place in Belmarsh. It may be more convenient for everyone if it’s there.”

Additional reporting by PA