Kim Dotcom wins right to livestream extradition appeal

Kim Dotcom is accused of copyright infringement for running a site which hosted file-sharing

A judge in New Zealand has said internet entrepreneur Kim Dotcom will be allowed to stream his appeal against extradition live online.

The founder of the seized Megaupload websites is wanted in the US on charges of copyright infringement, racketeering and money laundering. The US had opposed his proposal to broadcast the hearing on YouTube.

Dotcom said on Twitter that the decision was "breaking new ground" and streaming would start on Wednesday.


He told the BBC there was a definite public interest in his case. Dotcom's lawyer said the move was "democracy at its finest".

"It provides everybody in the world with a seat in the gallery of the New Zealand courtroom," Ira Rothken told the Associated Press, saying there would be a 20 minute delay on the live feed.