(Newser) – WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange was denied bail and remanded into custody today after telling a London court that he intends to fight his extradition to Sweden on sex crime allegations, setting up what could be a drawn-out legal battle. The 39-year-old Australian appeared before City of Westminster Magistrates' Court after turning himself in to Scotland Yard earlier to face a Swedish arrest warrant, reports the AP.

He was asked whether he understood that he could consent to be extradited to Sweden, where he faces allegations of rape, molestation and unlawful coercion. Clearing his throat, Assange said: "I understand that and I do not consent." Assange denies the allegations, which stem from a visit to Sweden in August that his lawyers say are "dispute over consensual but unprotected sex." They have said the case has taken on political overtones.