Julian Assange’s legal team will launch their last U.K. legal challenge on Tuesday to prevent the WikiLeaks founder from being extradited to the United States to face spying charges.
Decades of Extradition Fight
The 52-year-old has been battling extradition for over a decade, spending seven years in self-exile in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London and the past five years in a high-security prison.
Supporters Rally Outside High Court
A group of supporters holding “Free Julian Assange” banners and chanting “there is only one decision – no extradition” gathered outside the High Court in London. Assange’s lawyers will seek two High Court judges’ approval for a new appeal hearing, which represents his final legal option in the UK.
Uncertain Future
If the judges rule against Assange, his last resort would be to apply to the European Court of Human Rights to halt his extradition. However, concerns are raised that he might be transported to the U.S. before this can take place.
Ongoing Support
Backing Assange, demonstrators plan to showcase their support outside the court premises and finish with a march towards Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Downing Street office post the hearing.
Verdict Awaited
Judges Victoria Sharp and Jeremy Johnson might announce their decision at the end of the two-day hearing on Wednesday, though a definitive ruling could be weeks away.
Press Freedom Group’s Concern
Reporters Without Borders voiced their apprehensions, stating that this hearing signifies the conclusion of the extradition case. Any dismissed grounds by these judges cannot be further contested in the U.K., edging Assange closer to potential extradition.
Controversial Charges
Facing indictment on 17 counts of espionage and one count of computer misuse for releasing classified U.S. documents via his website, Assange has garnered contrasting views on his actions.
Supporter’s Perspective
To his advocates, Assange is recognized as a journalist uncovering secrecy by revealing U.S. military misconduct in Iraq and Afghanistan, entitled to First Amendment protections. They assert that his prosecution is politically driven, and he won’t receive a fair trial in the U.S.
Assange’s Declining Health in Prison
Stella Assange, a lawyer who married Julian Assange during his time in prison in 2022, is deeply concerned about her husband’s deteriorating health after years of confinement.
Legal Troubles and Extradition Battle
Julian Assange’s legal woes began in 2010 when he was arrested in London at the request of Sweden, where he faced allegations of rape and sexual assault. In 2012, Assange sought refuge inside the Ecuadorian Embassy to avoid extradition, but this sanctuary turned into a form of imprisonment.
Eviction and Imprisonment
Extradition Battle History
International Calls for Action
Recently, the Australian parliament joined the chorus calling for Assange’s return to Australia. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the need for a resolution in this long-standing legal saga.
Regardless of one’s stance on the matter, it remains clear that Assange’s health and well-being are increasingly at risk as his legal battle continues indefinitely.
