WikiLeaks’ Assange Too Ill to Appear via Video Link in U.S. Extradition Hearing

Julian Assange gestures to the media from a police vehicle on his arrival at Westminster Magistrates court in London, England, on April 11, 2019. Jack Taylor/Getty Images

LONDON—WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange was too ill on May 30 to appear via video link from a British prison in a hearing on an extradition request from the United States, his lawyer said.

The United States is seeking the extradition of Assange, 47, who was dragged from the Ecuadorean embassy in London on April 11. He faces a total of 18 U.S. criminal counts and decades in prison if convicted.