Assange too ill to appear via video link in extradition hearing

Julian Assange has missed his court hearing via a video link from a British prison, with his lawyers saying his health has deteriorated severely.

Assange's lawyer Gareth Peirce said he is now incapable of even holding a conversation. 

WikiLeaks said he had been moved to a health ward at Britain's Belmarsh prison, and he has lost a lot of weight.

Assange was scheduled to appear in court for a US extradition hearing over hacking and espionage charges.

The next hearing on the extradition request was set for June 12.