Home Secretary Priti Patel has authorised Julian Assange’s extradition to the United States to face espionage charges.
The Home Office stated in a statement that British courts determined it would not be “oppressive, unjust, or an abuse of process” to extradite the Wikileaks founder.
WikiLeaks, however, referred to it as a “dark day” for press freedom and British democracy, while Mr. Assange’s wife, Stella, stated that anyone who values free speech should be “deeply ashamed” of the Home Office’s decision.
The Australian is being held at London’s Belmarsh prison after a lengthy fight to avoid extradition.
Mr. Assange’s legal team has fourteen days to file an appeal.
Kate Goold, a partner at the law firm Bindmans, stated regarding the pending appeal, “If he still has the desire to fight, which I am certain he does, I believe Priti Patel’s decision is not the end.
“There are possible additional avenues of appeal that he could pursue. It is unlikely that Mr. Assange will remain in the United Kingdom.”
Ms. Goold, who has specialised in extradition cases for approximately 12 years, added, “I believe he has already filed a request for permission to appeal on the other arguments he raised in the lower court regarding the political aspects of this case and freedom of speech.”
Ms. Goold stated that Assange’s attorneys would first require permission to appeal on these grounds.
Mrs. Assange referred to her husband as a “political prisoner” and stated that her legal team will “explore every avenue” for an appeal.
She added, “I will devote every waking moment to fighting for justice until he is released.”
A spokesperson for the Home Office stated, “Under the Extradition Act of 2003, the Secretary of State must sign an extradition order if there are no grounds to prevent its issuance.
“In order for extradition requests to be sent to the Home Secretary, a judge must first determine that the case can proceed after analysing multiple aspects.
“On June 17, following consideration by both the Magistrates Court and the High Court, Mr. Julian Assange was ordered extradited to the United States. Mr. Assange retains the standard 14-day appeals period.
In this case, the UK courts have not determined that Mr. Assange’s extradition would be oppressive, unjust, or an abuse of process.
Nor have they determined that extradition would be incompatible with his human rights, including his right to a fair trial and to freedom of expression, and that he will be treated appropriately in the United States, including with regard to his health.
Amnesty International’s secretary general, Agnes Callamard, stated that the extradition order places Mr. Assange “in grave danger” and sends a “chilling message” to journalists.
“Amnesty International is extremely concerned that Assange faces a high risk of prolonged solitary confinement, which would violate the prohibition on torture and other cruel, degrading, or degrading treatment.” “She stated,
The US‘ diplomatic assurances that Assange will not be held in solitary confinement cannot be taken at face value in light of past events.
“We demand that the United Kingdom refrain from extraditing Julian Assange, that the United States drop the charges, and that Assange be released.”
