Assurances on Free Press Protections Called “Blatantly Inadequate”
A U.K. court granted Wikileaks founder Julian Assange the right to appeal against his extradition to the United States. This decision follows arguments from his legal team that the U.S. failed to provide sufficient assurances regarding free press protections. The court’s ruling came after a previous request for satisfactory assurances, including protection from the death penalty if convicted on espionage charges.
Julian Assange Faces Potential 175-Year Prison Sentence
Assange, who has been in U.K. prison for around five years, could potentially face a 175-year prison sentence if extradited to the U.S. This stems from his role in publishing classified information about the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq on the WikiLeaks website. The High Court’s decision is expected to prolong Assange’s legal battle against both the U.S. and U.K. governments.
Supporters Applaud Ruling Outside London Court
Assange’s wife, Stella, along with other supporters, celebrated the court’s decision outside the London court. Stella criticized the U.S. Department of Justice’s attempts to justify the extradition, urging them to drop the case. She highlighted the toll the prolonged legal battle has taken on Assange’s physical and mental health.
US Charges Against Assange
Assange faces 18 charges in the U.S., including espionage and computer intrusion, related to the publication of classified documents. The U.S. Department of Justice alleges Assange conspired to obtain and disclose sensitive national defense information. Assange denies any wrongdoing and claims his life would be at risk if extradited.