Julian Assange Granted Permission to Appeal US Extradition by UK High Court
Julian Assange Granted Permission to Appeal Extradition to the US
Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, has been granted permission by the High Court to appeal against his extradition to the United States, marking a significant development in his prolonged legal battle. This decision allows Assange to challenge the assurances provided by the US regarding his trial conditions and his right to free speech.
Background of the Case
Assange, 52, has been fighting extradition from the UK for over a decade following the publication of classified US documents by WikiLeaks in 2010 and 2011. These documents revealed sensitive information about the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, including allegations of US war crimes. The US government contends that the leaks endangered lives by exposing the names of intelligence operatives.
Legal Proceedings and Arguments
In a brief ruling, two senior judges granted Assange the right to a full appeal in the UK, overturning an earlier decision that approved his extradition. Assange's legal team has argued that the charges against him are politically motivated and a form of retaliation for exposing war crimes. They also stress that the case is an attack on press freedom and journalism.
US Assurances and Concerns
The US has assured the court that Assange would not face the death penalty and that he would be entitled to a full defense under the First Amendment, which protects free speech. Additionally, they have stated that his Australian nationality would not negatively impact his treatment. However, Assange's team remains concerned about the fairness of the US judicial process.
Public and Political Reactions
Outside the court, supporters of Assange celebrated the ruling, viewing it as a pivotal moment in the fight for his freedom. His wife, Stella Assange, described the decision as a turning point and urged the US to drop the charges. The US Department of Justice, however, maintains that the leak was one of the largest compromises of classified information in US history and argues that Assange's actions endangered lives.
Next Steps
Assange, currently held in Belmarsh Prison, will now have several months to prepare his appeal. His legal battle continues amidst ongoing discussions between the US and Australian governments, with US President Joe Biden considering a request from Australia to drop the prosecution.
