Wikileaks’ Julian Assange ‘fears extradition to US’

Mr Assange has received the backing of a number of high-profile supporters, including human rights campaigners Jemima Khan and Bianca Jagger, and film director Ken Loach.

Wikileaks has published hundreds of sensitive American diplomatic cables, details of which have appeared in the Guardian in the UK and several other newspapers around the world.

He has been criticised in the US, where former Republican vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin has said he should be hunted down like the al-Qaeda leadership.

Mr Assange argues the allegations against him are designed to take attention away from the material appearing on Wikileaks – but the Swedish authorities say the case has not been brought because of outside “pressure”.

He is accused of having unprotected sex with a woman, identified only as Miss A, when she insisted he use a condom.

Mr Assange is also accused of having unprotected sex with another woman, Miss W, while she was asleep.

Mr Smith said Mr Assange was a good friend and had previously stayed at his house.

He said: “I knew Julian well and obviously it’s a very contentious matter and I love journalism.

“I felt it was important to make a stand and I was very concerned that Julian received justice and I wanted to express my support.”

Mr Smith said he had not employed any security guards to protect Mr Assange and he added: “If the police fear there is a real threat of that I’m sure they will do what is necessary to protect me.”

It is possible a full extradition hearing will not take place for several months.

At that hearing Mr Assange will be able to challenge the warrant and raise any defences to the extradition request.

Have you got a question for Anonymous? Members of the pro-Wikileaks activist group will be taking calls and e-mails on a special edition of World Have Your Say at 1800 GMT on Friday on BBC World Service radio. Post a comment or question on the World Have Your Say blog.