WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange’s fate hangs in the balance as his final appeal against extradition to the U.S. concluded at the British High Court in London. U.S. lawyers argued their case seeking Assange’s extradition to face espionage charges for publishing classified military documents. British judges have deferred a decision on Assange’s extradition until at least next month.
Assange’s wife, Stella, spoke outside the court, labeling her husband a political prisoner. However, Assange’s health issues prevented him from attending the hearing. UK judges are taking their time to deliberate, with a decision expected in March at the earliest. If the appeal is denied, Assange’s last resort would be the European Court of Human Rights.
U.S. lawyers claimed that Assange’s actions put innocent lives at risk by publishing classified documents. On the other hand, his supporters argue that the documents were in the public interest. If extradited, Assange could potentially face up to 175 years in a U.S. maximum-security prison.
The U.N. Special Rapporteur on Torture has expressed concerns over Assange’s possible extradition. While the Obama administration decided not to indict Assange in 2010, both the Trump and Biden administrations have actively pursued his prosecution. This has raised alarms among press freedom groups, who warn of a dangerous precedent being set.
In response to the ongoing legal battle, multiple lawmakers in the U.S. and Australia have called for Assange’s freedom. The case has garnered international attention and sparked debates about press freedom, national security, and the limits of government transparency. The world is now watching closely as the British High Court prepares to deliver its verdict on Assange’s extradition.
