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Julian Assange's extradition hearing begins

The WikiLeaks editor begins his appeal of a February decision to send him to Sweden to face questioning regarding allegations of sexual misconduct.

Tom Espiner Special to CNET News
Julian Assange
Julian Assange Screenshot from "60 Minutes" interview

WikiLeaks editor Julian Assange has appeared at the Royal Courts of Justice on the first day of a High Court bid to avoid extradition.

On Tuesday, the court began hearing an appeal by Assange against a decision by Belmarsh Magistrates' Court in February to send him to Sweden for questioning about allegations of rape and sexual coercion.

His defense barrister, Ben Emerson, kicked proceedings off on Tuesday by arguing that the actions behind the allegations of sexual misconduct against Assange would not be judged offenses under British law.

Read more of "Julian Assange's extradition appeal kicks off" at ZDNet UK.