Assange extradition case to be heard by Supreme Court

Britain's highest court has said seven justices will hear the arguments because of the "great public importance of the issue raised" by the case.

A spokesman said the issue was "whether a prosecutor is a judicial authority".

Assange is wanted by Swedish authorities for questioning over alleged sex offences, which he denies.

The 40-year-old Australian, who remains on conditional bail in the UK, claims the allegations against him are politically motivated.

He is accused of raping one woman and "sexually molesting and coercing" another in Stockholm in August 2010.

Assange's Wikileaks website published a mass of material from leaked diplomatic cables embarrassing several governments.

The High Court previously approved his extradition, a decision that Assange argues was unlawful.

In December, two High Court judges, Sir John Thomas and Mr Justice Ouseley, decided that Assange had raised a question on extradition law "of general public importance" and allowed him to ask the Supreme Court for a final UK ruling.

Later that month, a Supreme Court spokesman said its justices had agreed to hear the case "given the great public importance of the issue raised, which is whether a prosecutor is a judicial authority".

The hearing will last two days and the judgement is expected to be reserved.