Wikileaks founder 'fears execution'

They are concerned the Swedes could “bow to US pressure” or “naively” rely on diplomatic assurances and allow the 39-year-old to be taken across the Atlantic.

In legal papers released as Assange appeared before a district judge at Woolwich Crown Court, his barrister Geoffrey Robertson QC said he may end up in Guantanamo Bay.

He said there is a “real risk” his client faces further extradition or illegal rendition to the United States if he is sent to Sweden to answer allegations of sexual assault.

Mr Robertson said: “If Mr Assange were rendered to the USA, without assurances that the death penalty would not be carried out, there is a real risk he could be made subject to the death penalty, which is provided for in the Espionage Act.

“It is well known that prominent figures have implied, if not stated outright, that Mr Assange should be executed.”`

In an unusual move, Assange's legal team released a 74-page outline of their arguments against his extradition as a two-day hearing got under way today.

The largely technical challenges focused on the status of Swedish officials, the validity of the European Arrest Warrant and claims that his human rights would be breached.

In the document, Mr Robertson argued that:

- Swedish prosecutor Marianne Nye is “not eligible” or an appropriate “judicial authority” to issue a European Arrest Warrant for his client;

- The Swedes are guilty of an “abuse of process” as they have not demonstrated any intention to charge or prosecute Assange and he cannot be extradited for questioning alone;

- The application for a European Arrest Warrant is “disproportionate” as he is willing to co-operate and be interviewed by phone, email or videolink;

- The arrest warrant paperwork is not valid as it does not “unequivocally” state that he is wanted for prosecution and has been mistranslated;

- The offences Assange faces – unlawful coercion and sexual molestation – are not criminal acts under British law and the conduct is wrongly described as rape;

- Extraditing Assange to Sweden would be a “real risk of a flagrant denial of justice” and a “blatant breach” of British constitutional principles;

- The whistleblower will face a “secret” trial behind closed doors, is unlikely to be given bail and lay judges may be open to political prejudice;

- Extradition and prosecution would breach five “fundamental rights”, including the right to a fair trial, under the European Convention on Human Rights.

Assange, an Australian national, arrived under an extraordinary media spotlight at the high-security Crown Court, which is sitting as Belmarsh Magistrates' Court.

Reporters from around the world laid siege to the courthouse and queued around the block to claim their tickets to the 100 media seats available.

Assange had his bail conditions varied so he could leave his adopted home at a Norfolk mansion and spend the night at the Frontline Club, in Paddington, west London.

He is supported by a number of high-profile campaigners, including Bianca Jagger, socialite Jemima Khan and veteran left-winger Tony Benn.

The hearing today focused on arguments against extradition and several witnesses will be called tomorrow. District Judge Howard Riddle may yet reserve his judgment to a later date.

Assange faces three charges of sexually assaulting one woman and one charge of raping another during a week-long visit to Stockholm in August.

He denies committing any offences and his supporters claim the criminal inquiry and extradition request are unfair and politically motivated.