Julian Assanges fate hangs in the balance. On February 20-21, the British Supreme Court will decide whether Julian Assange has the right to appeal the decision on extradition to the United States. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) will follow the court proceedings on site. RSF again calls on the US government to drop the case against Assange. The WikiLeaks founder should be released from prison without further delay.
Between February 20 and 21, the UK’s Supreme Court will negotiate the last step in the legal process regarding the US government’s extradition case against Assange. This is Assange’s last chance to gain the right to appeal against the extradition order signed by the UK Home Secretary in June 2022. The High Court decision cannot be further appealed, meaning Assange is dangerously close to extradition.
The upcoming court hearing has already attracted a lot of attention and a number of international organizations demands that Assange be released. UN Special Rapporteur about torture Doctor Alice Jill Edwards, is just one of a string of voices calling for the extradition notice to be denied, citing Assange’s health and risk of suicide. RSF reiterates its warning that the prosecution of Assange would have alarming consequences for the future of journalism and constitute an unprecedented blow to press freedom.
– Now all eyes are on the UK Supreme Court. It remains to be seen whether the British judiciary will prevent the extradition of Assange at this late stage. The US government has the power to end this legal tragedy by dropping the 13-year-old case against Assange and ending this protracted persecution. No one should be subjected to such treatment for having published information in the public interest. It is time to protect journalism, freedom of the press and everyone’s right to information. It is time for Assange to be released now, says Rebecca Vincent who is RSF’s campaign manager
It is unlikely that the court will make a decision already this week, the decision will probably come within a few weeks. If the court accepts some or all of Assange’s grounds for appeal, another hearing could take place. If all grounds are rejected, Assange’s extradition may be imminent. His only remaining recourse would then be at the European Court of Human Rights.
– To extradite Julian Assange to the United States is to signal to journalists and whistleblowers all over the world that those who dare to tell about states and companies engaging in the murder of civilians and tax evasion may end up badly. It is an insane and dangerous step in the wrong direction at a time when democracy is retreating and independent media are being silenced in more and more countries, says Erik Larssonchairman of Reporters Without Borders Sweden.
RSF is the only organization that has followed the entire legal process surrounding the extradition case in UK courts over the past four years despite extensive hassle with permission. On February 21, RSF is back in court.
The UK and US are ranked 26th and 45th respectively out of 180 countries in RSF’s Press Freedom Index 2023.
• RSF:s campaign manager Rebecca Vincent, UK Bureau Director Fiona O’Brien and Lisa Kretschmer from RSF Germany will attend the proceedings in the UK Supreme Court on 20-21 February. Rebecca Vincent and Fiona O´Brien are available for interview and can be reached via email at rvincent@rsf.org and fobrien@rsf.org.
• Yesterday, February 18, published The Guardian a text about the Julian Assange case written by RSF’s general secretary Christophe Deloire and campaign manager Rebecca Vincent.
• Here is RSF’s list of them 12 of the most common misconceptions on the case against Julian Assange.
Image: RSF
