WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange faced a hearing in the High Court in London that could lead to his extradition to the U.S. on espionage charges or provide him with an opportunity to appeal his extradition. The decision will depend on how much weight judges give to assurances provided by U.S. officials that Assange’s rights will be protected if he faces trial in the U.S. If the court rules against him, Assange’s wife has stated they will seek an emergency injunction from the European Court of Human Rights.
Labour MP Jeremy Corbyn addressed Assange’s supporters outside the court, stating that Assange’s case has significant implications worldwide. He argued that if Assange is extradited, it could have a chilling effect on journalism and the exposure of truth. Two judges previously rejected most of Assange’s arguments but allowed him to take his case to the Court of Appeal if the U.S. guaranteed that he would not face the death penalty and would have the same free speech protections as a U.S. citizen.
Assange, who is facing 17 espionage charges and one computer misuse charge for publishing classified U.S. documents, has spent over a decade in legal battles, including seven years in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London. Supporters of Assange gathered outside the courthouse to show their solidarity, advocating for his freedom and press freedom. The U.S. government accuses Assange of encouraging and aiding Chelsea Manning in stealing and publishing classified government documents, going beyond the role of a journalist.
Assange’s legal team argues that sending him to the U.S. would expose him to politically motivated prosecution and a denial of justice. They contend that Assange was acting as a journalist exposing wrongdoing, while the U.S. government claims his actions were an attempt to solicit and publish classified information indiscriminately. If Assange prevails in court, it would lead to an appeal process prolonging the legal saga. However, if the court accepts the U.S. assurances, it could signal the end of Assange’s legal challenges in the U.K.
In the event of a loss in court, Assange may still have a chance at freedom. President Biden has hinted at considering a request from Australia to drop the case against Assange, potentially allowing him to return to his home country. Assange’s family and supporters have raised concerns about his physical and mental health deteriorating during his time in legal battles and imprisonment. The case has drawn attention to issues of press freedom and the treatment of whistleblowers in the context of national security concerns.
