The threat of extradition grew for Wikileaks founder Julian Assange on Wednesday as a judge ruled that the US could expand the basis of its appeal.
London judge on Wednesday widened the scope of a US appeal against a block on the extradition of Assange from Britain and will hear the renewed bid in late October.
After a multi-week extradition hearing, District Judge Vanessa Baraitser ruled in January that Assange should not be sent to the US, citing a real risk of suicide.
The US government was allowed a limited appeal against her decision on three grounds, but the latest ruling adds two further points which open significant elements of the psychiatric evidence to challenge.
From the early hours, supporters gathered outside the central London court to demand that Assange be set free. Assange joined the hearing by videolink, wearing glasses, a facemask and a white shirt.
Arriving at the court, Assange’s partner Stella Moris said: “The US is exploiting the inherently unfair extradition arrangements with this country in order to arbitrarily prolong his imprisonment an innocent man accused of practicing journalism.”
Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn was also present, and told protesters: “The United States seems to have a sort of obsession with people who uncover the truths about US military presence around the world. “They should wind their necks in and let Julian Assange go.”
Assange, who has been denied bail despite Judge Baraitser’s ruling, attended the hearing by videolink from Belmarsh prison. He appeared gaunter than at his last court appearance, with straggling white hair and new large-frame glasses.