WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange will fight to remain in Britain next month, it was confirmed today.
His legal team said it is ready to start a full two-day extradition hearing on February 7.
In a 10-minute hearing at Belmarsh Magistrates’ Court, his QC Geoffrey Robertson said all legal preparations are in place.
Mr Robertson also said the long journey from his temporary home on the Norfolk/Suffolk border made it difficult to get to court on time.
Hannah Pye, for the Swedish authorities, said she had no objection to the date in four weeks time.
District Judge Nicholas Evans released Assange, who spoke only to confirm his name, age and address, on conditional bail.
The court heard that skeleton arguments by the defence will be released to the media on the first day of the extradition hearing.
Assange’s bail was varied so he is able to stay at the Frontline Club, in Paddington, on February 6 and 7.
Assange, who wore a dark suit and light-coloured shirt, leaned forward and listened intently during the hearing.
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