LONDON: WikiLeaks chief Julian Assange was refused bail Tuesday by a British judge over claims of sex crimes in Sweden, dealing a fresh blow to the website which vowed to reveal more US secrets. The elusive 39-year-old Australian said he would fight an extradition request by Sweden as he appeared in court in London just hours after he emerged from a month in hiding and surrendered to police. Filmmaker Ken Loach, socialite Jemima Khan and campaigning journalist John Pilger each offered to put up part of his bail but a judge in London refused, saying a court would review the situation at a hearing on Dec. 14. The WikiLeaks founder, who has denied the allegations, appeared calm in court. Wearing a navy blue suit and a white shirt without a tie, he spoke to confirm his name and address in Australia. WikiLeaks criticized the court decision to hold Assange as “bizarre”, and said it would go ahead with the release of more documents. Assange's lawyer Mark Stephens told journalists outside the court that the allegations were “politically motivated”, adding that he expected a “viral campaign” on the Internet on his client's behalf. “We have heard the judge say he wishes to see the evidence himself. I think he was impressed by the fact that a number of people were prepared to stand up on behalf of Mr. Assange and declare his innocence,” he said. Loach, Jemima – former wife of Pakistan cricket great Imran Khan – and Pilger each offered £20,000 ($31,400) toward bail. – Agence France
