Julian Assange Faces Extradition Decision by British High Court
British judges will decide on Tuesday whether WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange can launch a full appeal against his extradition to the U.S. This could be his last chance to avoid trial there.
The High Court will announce its verdict at 10:30 AM GMT (6:30 AM ET). A full appeal would follow a favorable ruling, but rejection would leave Assange with limited options. His wife, Stella, expressed the high stakes on social media.
Assange, 52, faces espionage charges for publishing classified U.S. military documents in 2010. He has never been tried in the U.S.
The decision comes after a two-day hearing last month. If the court denies the appeal, Assange could appeal to the European Court of Human Rights, but his supporters fear a negative outcome on Tuesday could lead to quick extradition.
If extradited, Assange would face trial in Virginia for 18 charges, including receiving and releasing classified information, and conspiracy to commit computer intrusion. Conviction could lead to 175 years in prison.
The charges stem from WikiLeaks’ publication of documents leaked by Chelsea Manning, revealing alleged war crimes and CIA activities. Assange has been held in a London prison since 2019.
A previous extradition rejection was overturned due to assurances about Assange’s treatment in U.S. custody. The U.K. approved extradition in June 2022.
The U.S. argues Assange endangered lives and went beyond journalism. Assange’s lawyers say the charges threaten press freedom, as no publisher faced them before him.
The Obama administration declined to indict Assange, fearing repercussions for news outlets that also published the leaks. However, the Trump administration indicted him, and the Biden administration continues the case.
The CIA reportedly spied on Assange and his lawyers. A lawsuit against the CIA for such activities is now allowed to proceed.
This case is significant for press freedom, as Assange’s prosecution could set a precedent for criminalizing investigative journalism. His lawyers see no possibility of a plea bargain despite recent reports.
