Assange arrested in relation to a US extradition warrant - UK police

Assange was taken into custody at a central London police station, and the arrest was made at a US extradition request, the Met Police have confirmed, saying he will appear at London Magistrates’ Court.

Julian Assange has been “further arrested on behalf of the United States authorities after his arrival at a central London police station,” the Metropolitan Police confirmed. The US cited the Extradition Act while filing the request, they informed.

“He will appear in custody at Westminster Magistrates' Court as soon as possible,” the statement reads. A car apparently carrying Assange has arrived at the court earlier.

Earlier in the day, Jen Robinson, one of Assange’s legal team, alleged that the arrest was linked to a US extradition request. “Just confirmed: Assange has been arrested not just for breach of bail conditions but also in relation to a US extradition request,” she tweeted.

Meanwhile, barrister Geoffrey Robertson, another Assange’s lawyer, said he may face a heavy prison term if extradited to the US. “America is hellbent on putting him in prison for a very long time to deter those who publish material about the behaviour of its armed forces,” he told BBC News.

The charges for Assange carry up to 45 years in prison. While this is "not the death penalty ... But it may in effect be the death penalty for someone of Assange’s age and health problems.”

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