Assange's father slams lack of due process

The 48-year-old Assange has for three days followed the hearing from behind bullet-proof glass at Woolwich Crown Court and on Wednesday said his participation in the proceedings was akin to "watching Wimbledon".

"My own country declares constantly that they will expect from the UK due process (but) due process requires that each side be equally armed," Assange's father John Shipton told reporters outside court.

"Julian is in a glass box (and) cannot communicate with his lawyers.

"The prosecutor has sitting behind him three lawyers from the US Justice Department who can easily, and do constantly, communicate with the prosecutor."

Reporters Without Borders UK bureau director Rebecca Vincent said she was concerned about Assange's wellbeing as for a third day he appeared unwell and unable to properly follow proceedings.

"Frankly the treatment is dehumanising," she told reporters outside court.

"He is an afterthought almost, sometimes. I think twice this week proceedings have started without the realisation he was not even yet present."

Judge Vanessa Baraitser ruled Assange needed to apply for bail to leave the dock, with his legal team mulling on an application.

James Lewis QC for the US government earlier said Assange's crimes amounted to "common criminality" and that political offences were not included in England's 2003 Extradition Act.

The US government is trying to extradite the WikiLeaks founder to face 17 charges of violating the US Espionage Act and one of conspiring to commit computer intrusion over leaking and publishing thousands of classified US diplomatic and military files.

The charges carry a potential total prison sentence of 175 years.

Australia's foreign affairs department has been approached for comment regarding Mr Shipton's complaint, as well as reports Assange was on Monday night handcuffed 11 times, twice strip-searched and had his case files confiscated by Belmarsh Prison guards.

Australian Associated Press