The London High Court is hearing what may be Wikileaks founder Julian Assange’s final attempt to avoid extradition to the United States. Assange faces espionage charges for leaking military documents over a decade ago. His legal team and supporters, including his wife Stella Assange, argue that his extradition would be a threat to his life and freedom, and an attack on investigative journalism worldwide. The two-day hearing follows a 2021 decision by the High Court and a 2022 affirmation by the Supreme Court and the then Home Secretary approving Assange’s extradition. Demonstrations in support of Assange have taken place outside the court, with advocates for press freedom voicing their concerns.
- The London High Court is conducting a two-day hearing regarding Julian Assange’s potential extradition to the US.
- Julian Assange faces espionage charges in the US for the release of secret military documents through Wikileaks in 2010.
- Assange’s legal team claims that the extradition is politically motivated and that Assange’s mental health has significantly deteriorated during his five-year imprisonment.
- Stella Assange, Julian’s wife, has spoken publicly, claiming that her husband is in a life-and-death situation and would not survive extradition to the US.
- If the appeal is denied, Assange’s lawyers may seek intervention from the European Court of Human Rights to prevent his extradition.
- Supporters have gathered outside the High Court, expressing solidarity and stressing the case’s implications for press freedom and investigative journalism.
- High-profile figures, including former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, have spoken at the demonstrations, highlighting the broader impact on whistleblower publications and press freedoms.
- The US government argues that Assange’s actions endangered lives, leading to 18 charges under the Espionage Act.
- Updates on the case are expected as the hearing progresses over the following days.
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