Julian Assange’s Lawyers Launch Final Appeal Against Extradition to U.S.
Julian Assange, the controversial founder of WikiLeaks, is facing his final appeal against extradition to the United States. Assange, who has been imprisoned in London for almost five years, used his website to publish confidential government documents and other materials, arguing that the public had a legitimate right to access the information. Now, his lawyers are making a last-ditch effort to prevent his extradition and the espionage charges he faces in the U.S.
The Appeal Hearing
Assange’s lawyers launched their appeal in a U.K. court on Tuesday. They are asking two London High Court judges to grant Assange a new appeal hearing against the British government’s decision to extradite him to the U.S. If the judges grant Assange the right to launch a fresh appeal, he can then ask the European Court of Human Rights to block the extradition. However, if the appeal is rejected, he is likely to be sent to the U.S. to face trial.
Assange’s wife, Stella Assange, arrived at the Royal Courts Of Justice in London on Tuesday, accompanied by a large group of supporters demanding her husband’s immediate release. Inside the courtroom, one of Assange’s lawyers informed the judges that he was not attending the hearing due to feeling unwell. However, it was made clear that he had been invited to attend either in person or via video link.
The Charges Against Assange
Assange is facing 18 charges in the U.S., including 17 counts of espionage and one charge of computer intrusion. These charges stem from the publication of classified documents on WikiLeaks in 2010. The U.S. Department of Justice alleges that Assange was complicit in Chelsea Manning’s actions, a former U.S. Army intelligence analyst who unlawfully obtained and disclosed classified documents related to national defense.
If convicted on all charges, Assange could face up to 175 years in prison. The fight to stop his extradition has been linked to the fight for press freedom and the right to a fair trial. Supporters argue that journalists need whistleblowers like Assange, particularly when it comes to matters of national security. Amnesty International has also expressed concerns about Assange’s potential treatment if extradited, stating that he could face serious human rights violations, including possible torture.
Assange’s Legal Battle
Assange’s legal battle has been ongoing for over a decade. In 2012, he sought refuge at the Ecuadorian Embassy in London to avoid extradition to Sweden, where he was facing allegations of sexual assault. The investigation was later dropped, and no charges were ever filed. However, in 2019, Ecuador revoked his asylum status, leading to his arrest by London’s Metropolitan Police.
Assange’s physical and mental wellbeing have been called into question, with his wife stating that he would not survive an extradition to the U.S. due to his fragility. She emphasized the importance of protecting journalism and press freedom, stating that journalists must have the right to report on information that governments and corporations want to hide.
The Outcome
The High Court judges, Victoria Sharp and Jeremy Johnson, are expected to take weeks to consider their ruling. However, a verdict could be issued as soon as Wednesday, given that the hearing is scheduled to take place over two days. The outcome of this final appeal will determine whether Assange will be extradited to the U.S. or if his legal battle will continue.
As supporters gather outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, the world waits to see the fate of Julian Assange and the implications it may have for press freedom and the future of whistleblowing.
