- Assange awaits US extradition appeal outcome, claims persecution
- High Court delays immediate extradition pending further assurances
- US prosecutors accuse Assange of aiding theft of classified documents
The founder of WikiLeaks, according to American prosecutors, allegedly encouraged and assisted US Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning in stealing diplomatic cables and military files published on his website. According to his supporters, the 52-year-old is being persecuted as a hero for exposing misconduct in the United States.
Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, will be required to await the outcome of an appeal regarding his extradition to the United States since the High Court declared that he could not be extradited on espionage charges immediately.
According to two High Court judges, an additional hearing is scheduled for May unless the United States can provide additional assurances regarding his whereabouts.
Prosecutors in the United States assert that the 52-year-old facilitated and supported US Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning in the theft of diplomatic cables and military files that were published on his website.
However, Assange’s proponents assert that he is being persecuted as a hero for exposing US malfeasance.
Then-district judge Vanessa Baraitser ruled in January 2021 that Assange should not be extradited to the United States, citing a genuine and “oppressive” risk of suicide while rejecting him on all other grounds.
In contrast, US authorities prevailed in a High Court quest to vacate the block later that year, thereby facilitating his extradition.
In February, throughout a two-day hearing, Assange’s attorneys requested the ability to contest the initial judge’s dismissal of other aspects of his case to halt his extradition.
They contended that American authorities were attempting to penalize him in retaliation for WikiLeaks’ “unprecedented exposure of government criminality on the part of the United States,” which included torture and murder.
Dame Victoria Sharp and Mr. Justice Johnson rejected the majority of Assange’s legal arguments in their Tuesday decision; however, they stated that he would be able to file an appeal on three grounds—including a violation of his freedom of expression and the possibility of capital punishment—barring assurances from the United States.
The judges stated that US authorities would provide the assurances within three weeks, with a final decision expected by late May.
The judges stated that while US authorities have guaranteed Assange would not face capital punishment, it is “possible that the respondent could narrowly interpret the assurance to preclude the imposition of the death penalty.”
The judges stated, “We will grant leave to appeal in the absence of assurances, without needing an additional hearing.”
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We will allow the parties allow the parties to provide additional submissions before reaching a final decision on the application for leave to appeal, contingent upon the provision of assurances.
Stella, the wife of Julian Assange, commented on the verdict as follows: “The courts have invited a political intervention from the United States by issuing a letter stating that everything is fine.” This truly astounds me.
“This case represents retribution.” It serves as a warning to all that those who expose the interests that are fueling the conflict will be pursued, imprisoned, and even murdered.
The Biden administration shouldn’t provide assurances. “This disgraceful case, which ought never to have been brought, ought to be dismissed.”
