Assange has the option to challenge extradition to the US.
Julian Assange, the creator of WikiLeaks, had temporarily halted his extradition to the USA after the London High Court allowed his appeal. Assange, a 52-year-old Australian man, would have been extradited to the US if his appeal had been denied. During a two-hour hearing, his lawyers managed to persuade the judges to allow him to present his case in a full appeal.
The primary concern was whether Assange could exercise his right to freedom of speech as a foreigner in the US. The judges had initially postponed the verdict in late March and asked for assurances from the US government. However, the assurances given did not convince the court immediately.
The US authorities intend to prosecute Assange on espionage charges. This could result in a sentence of up to 175 years in prison. The US government alleges that Assange and the whistleblower Chelsea Manning stole and published secret material from military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, endangering the lives of US informants. Assange's supporters view him as a victim of the US justice system for revealing US war crimes.
Stella, Assange's wife, recently expressed concern that her husband could commit suicide if he were extradited to the US immediately after his appeal was rejected. Furthermore, his supporters are relying mostly on a political solution, as the Australian government is pushing for Assange's release. A recent Australian parliament resolution requested the US and UK to end their prosecution of Assange. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that the issue had dragged on for too long.
Moreover, advocates of Assange have high hopes for President Joe Biden's consideration of the Australian government's request to halt the prosecution. This statement was considered "encouraging" by Albanese.
Image: Julian Assange in Belmarsh Prison
List: US Charges against Assange
Header: Julian Assange case
Emphasis: Australia calls for Assange's release (The Guardian)
Highlighting: Joe Biden (WikiLeaks)
Emphasis: Anthony Albanese
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Despite the assurances provided by the USA, Julian Assange's legal team was successful in delaying his extradition to the USA, given concerns about his right to free speech. This delay came after a hearing in Great Britain, where Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, had temporarily halted his extradition to the USA after the London High Court allowed his appeal.
In light of the ongoing extradition case against Julian Assange, the Australian government has made multiple appeals to the USA and Great Britain, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressing his hope that President Joe Biden will consider these requests. This political push for Assange's release has gained widespread support among his supporters, who view his prosecution as an infringement on free speech and journalistic freedom.
Source: www.ntv.de
