Wikileaks case brings up extradition issue for European countries

Sweden's attempt to extradite WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has placed a spotlight on the procedure for extradition between European countries - the European Arrest Warrant.

The little-known legal instrument has been controversial since it was introduced in 2003 under the Labour government and then home secretary, David Blunkett, The Guardian reports.

Defense barrister Geoffrey Robertson told the court that Assange would face a closed hearing in Sweden if extradited, as is customary in rape trials there.

"The Swedish custom and practice is blatantly unfair by European standards. [One] cannot have a fair trial when the press and public are excluded from the court," Robertson said, CNET reports.