Right to appeal granted for WikiLeaks founder Assange
The High Court in London has ruled that WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange can appeal against his extradition to the US.
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As the case regarding the extradition of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to the US continues, the High Court in London ruled at today's hearing that Assange may proceed with an appeal in the extradition case.
The court stated that Assange's claim that he might not be able to rely on the freedom of speech protections under the First Amendment of the US Constitution merits a full appeal, and that this process is unlikely to take months.
Last March, the court had granted conditional permission for an appeal on the grounds that Assange might face discrimination due to his foreign nationality, and had requested assurances from the US that Assange would not be executed and would receive a fair trial.
DID NOT ATTEND THE HEARING
Assange did not attend today's hearing, with his lawyer stating that he was absent for health reasons. It was reported that if the court were to rule against Assange, his legal battle in the UK, which has been ongoing for over 13 years, could come to an end and he could be extradited to the US within 24 hours.
"HOW MUCH LONGER CAN THIS GO ON?"
Assange supporters gathered outside the court chanted, "Free, free Julian Assange." In a statement, Assange's wife, Stella, said, "As a family, we are relieved, but how much longer can this go on? The US should drop this case immediately. Now is the time to do it," describing the court's decision to allow an appeal as a turning point.
EXTRADITION TO THE US WAS ORDERED IN 2021
WikiLeaks, the website founded by Assange, published documents in 2010 regarding crimes committed by the US in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Assange, whom the US accuses of espionage and seeks to extradite, took refuge in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London in 2012. Removed from the embassy and taken into custody in 2019, Assange was arrested and sent to prison for failing to meet bail conditions.
While the High Court ruled in 2021 that Assange could be extradited to the US, his lawyers appealed the decision in 2022. The US seeks to try the 52-year-old Assange on 18 charges, all under the Espionage Act, for publishing classified documents.