Julian Assange’s legal team is launching a final attempt to prevent his extradition to the US, where he faces trial for leaking military secrets. The two-day hearing at the High Court in London will involve arguments for allowing a full appeal, a decision that is not guaranteed. If denied, Assange could face extradition within weeks. Supporters contend that Assange exposed wrongdoing, while the US alleges that he jeopardized lives with the disclosures.
Originally from Australia, Assange’s extensive legal battle began in 2010 when WikiLeaks released confidential military files, including footage revealing a US helicopter attacking civilians in Baghdad during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. After seven years in the Ecuadorian embassy in London, Assange was arrested by the Metropolitan Police in 2019. The US sought his extradition, claiming the disclosures posed a threat to lives. A British judge initially blocked extradition, citing concerns about Assange’s mental health, but the decision was later overturned after the US provided assurances about humane treatment and the possibility of serving any sentence in Australia.
In the current hearing, Assange’s lawyers are expected to request permission to challenge the extradition order signed by former UK home secretary Priti Patel almost two years ago. If unsuccessful, Assange must be extradited within 28 days, unless the European Court of Human Rights intervenes with a “Rule 39” order. Nick Vamos, former head of extradition at the Crown Prosecution Service, highlighted the challenging criteria for the European Court to intervene, emphasizing the high threshold required.
Stella Assange, Julian’s wife, spoke to the BBC, expressing concern about her husband’s well-being in a US jail, asserting that the case is politically motivated. She emphasized the critical nature of the case, stating that it will determine whether Assange lives or dies. Julian Assange has been held at London’s Belmarsh Prison since 2019 during the US extradition proceedings, with his supporters arguing that the charges against him are an attack on journalism and freedom of the press. The outcome of this final bid will significantly impact Assange’s future and the ongoing debate about the balance between national security and the public’s right to information.
