Assange claims his lawyers are being spied on

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has told a court he is not able to participate in extradition proceedings because he fears his conversations with lawyers are being spied on.

Assange, 48, is wanted to face trial in the US on 17 charges under the Espionage Act and conspiracy to commit computer intrusion after the publication of hundreds of thousands of classified documents in

2010 and 2011.

He is fighting to avoid being handed over to the US and addressed Judge Vanessa Baraitser from the dock during a third day of legal argument yesterday at Woolwich Crown Court, which is sitting as a magistrates’ court.

“I can’t speak to my lawyers in confidentiality. There’s a whole series of people sitting there and there’s microphones,” he said.

“I can’t, with any confidence, give her (my solicitor) any instructions. This case already has enough spies on my lawyers as it is.”

The court has previously heard claims Assange’s legal team were bugged during visits to him in the Ecuadorian embassy in London, where he was holed up for almost seven years.

The comments came when the judge asked if Assange could continue without a break after Assange’s barrister,

Edward Fitzgerald QC, earlier said he may struggle to follow proceedings because he is on medication.

Concerns have previously been raised over his health and conditions in highsecurity Belmarsh prison, where he is being held on remand.

Mr Fitzgerald said Assange was happy for proceedings to continue with him in the dock but said he may make a further application.

The hearing continues.

PA. Julian Assange.