Judge rejects WikiLeaks founder plea to cancel arrest warrant
London: WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange had his hopes of freedom dashed on Tuesday when a judge in London upheld a warrant for his arrest on a charge of skipping bail.
The 46-year-old Australian has been holed up in the Ecuadorian embassy in London since 2012 fearing arrest if he leaves the building, potentially paving the way for him to be extradited to the US, reports Xinhua.
Senior District Judge Emma Arbuthnot delivered her ruling on Tuesday at Westminster magistrate’s court in London stating it is in the public interest to pursue him for failing to surrender to his bail.
"I find arrest is a proportionate response even though Assange has restricted his freedom for some years," she was quoted as saying.
"Defendants on bail up and down the country, and requested persons facing extradition come to court to face the consequences of their own choices. He should have the courage to do the same. He appears to consider himself above the normal rules of law and wants justice only if it goes in his favor," added the judge.
Assange moved into the embassy initially to avoid extradition to Sweden where he was wanted for questioning over an allegation of a sexual assault which he has always denied.
The Metropolitan Police hold the warrant for his arrest if he steps outside the compound even though the Swedish authorities have now dropped their investigation against him.
Assange's barrister Mark Summers argued that arresting him was no longer proportionate or in the public interest, saying the years Assange has spent inside the embassy were adequate if the not severe punishment for his actions.
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PSL hands Muzarabani two-year ban for choosing IPL
Lahore (PTI): Blessing Muzarabani has been handed a two year ban by the Pakistan Super League after the Zimbabwe pacer chose to play the Indian Premier League while having a deal with a PSL franchise.
Muzarabani was signed as a replacement player for Islamabad United but he decided to withdraw from PSL after being approached by Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL.
"Professionalism in franchise-based leagues requires participants to act with transparency and consistency. Entering into a conflicting engagement while a prior binding agreement subsists represents a departure from the expected standards of the game.
"Such conduct, if left unaddressed, erodes the reliability of dealings and the confidence that franchises, regulators, and stakeholders place in professional engagements. The two-year ban reflects the gravity of the breach," it further emphasised," read a PSL statement.
Muzarabani, who impressed in the preceding T20 World Cup, has played two games for KKR thus far and took a four wicket haul against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Eden Gardens.
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