Julian Assange’s Lawyers Make Final Legal Challenge to Prevent Extradition to the United States
Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, is facing his final legal challenge in the United Kingdom to prevent his extradition to the United States. His lawyers argue that his actions in exposing serious criminal actions by U.S. authorities were in the public interest. The hearing took place at the High Court in London, with Assange himself absent due to health reasons.
Assange has been fighting extradition for over a decade, spending seven years in self-exile at the Ecuadorian Embassy in London and the last five years in Belmarsh Prison. He has been indicted on 17 charges of espionage and one charge of computer misuse related to the publication of classified U.S. documents on his website. U.S. prosecutors claim that Assange aided Chelsea Manning, a former U.S. Army intelligence analyst, in stealing diplomatic cables and military files.
To his supporters, Assange is a journalist who exposed U.S. military wrongdoing in Iraq and Afghanistan. They argue that the prosecution is politically motivated and that he will not receive a fair trial in the U.S.
Outside the High Court, dozens of supporters gathered, holding signs that read “Free Julian Assange” and chanting for his release. They hope that the judges will grant a new appeal hearing, which would be Assange’s last legal recourse in Britain. If the judges rule against him, Assange can request the European Court of Human Rights to block his extradition. However, there are concerns that he could be extradited to the U.S. before that happens, as the British government has already signed an extradition order.
Assange’s lawyer, Edward Fitzgerald, argued in court that his client was being prosecuted for engaging in ordinary journalistic practice and exposing criminality on an unprecedented scale. Fitzgerald also raised concerns about Assange receiving a fair trial and potentially suffering a flagrant denial of justice if sent to the U.S.
While some of Assange’s arguments against extradition have been rejected by British courts in the past, his lawyers presented several new arguments. They claimed that publishing leaked U.S. national security information was legal and commonplace in 2010 when WikiLeaks disclosed classified documents. They also argued that WikiLeaks’ publication is protected by principles of free speech.
Assange’s wife, Stella Assange, expressed concerns about his deteriorating health during years of confinement. She stated that his life is at risk every day he remains in prison and that he would die if extradited. Assange’s legal troubles began in 2010 when he was arrested in London at the request of Sweden for allegations of rape and sexual assault. He sought refuge in the Ecuadorian Embassy, where he remained until his eviction in 2019.
The relationship between Assange and his hosts soured over time, leading to his arrest for breaching bail. Sweden dropped the sex crimes investigations in 2019 due to the elapsed time. If convicted, Assange could face up to 175 years in prison, although U.S. authorities have suggested a shorter sentence.
The Australian parliament recently called for Assange to be allowed to return to his homeland. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the need for a resolution, regardless of people’s opinions on the matter.
Judge Victoria Sharp and Judge Jeremy Johnson are expected to deliver their verdict at the end of the two-day hearing or take several weeks to consider their decision. The outcome will determine whether Assange will be extradited to the United States to face trial or if he will be able to remain in the United Kingdom.