Julian Assange Dodges Immediate Extradition to US
In a dramatic turn of events, WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has managed to elude immediate extradition to the United States as the High Court in London demanded further assurances from US authorities.
Accused of jeopardizing lives by publishing classified military documents, 52-year-old Assange has been embroiled in a legal battle with US authorities seeking his extradition on espionage charges.
Following a two-day hearing last month, Assange sought permission to challenge the UK’s 2022 approval of his extradition to the US, citing political motivations and concerns about receiving a fair trial.
On Tuesday, a panel of judges ruled that Assange, an Australian citizen, would not be extradited immediately and gave the US three weeks to provide assurances regarding his First Amendment rights and assurance against the death penalty.
If the US fails to comply, Assange will have the opportunity to appeal his extradition in a further hearing scheduled for May.
This ruling offers Assange a glimmer of hope in a longstanding saga that thrust him into the global spotlight for exposing alleged war crimes committed by US-led coalition forces.
Having fought extradition for the past five years from London’s Belmarsh prison, Assange spent seven years prior as a political refugee at the Ecuadorian embassy in the UK capital.
Advocates for free speech have decried Assange’s extradition, warning of its potential chilling effect on press freedoms.
The court acknowledged Assange’s likelihood of success on three grounds of appeal, including concerns about freedom of expression, trial prejudice based on nationality, and inadequate death penalty protection.
However, the court denied Assange leave to appeal on the basis of politically motivated prosecution.
US authorities are pursuing Assange for publishing confidential military records provided by Chelsea Manning, with charges including conspiracy to hack a computer and multiple violations of the Espionage Act.
If convicted, Assange faces a maximum sentence of 175 years in prison for endangering lives by disclosing sensitive information.
Despite his absence from the recent hearing due to health reasons, Assange’s legal team argued against the extradition request, citing violations of his human rights and characterizing his actions as journalistic practice.
Allegations of a CIA assassination plot against Assange during his time at the Ecuadorian embassy were also raised, although they have not been substantiated.
As the legal battle continues, the fate of Julian Assange hangs in the balance amidst international scrutiny and debate.
