Today is the second day in which the UK High Court is hearing arguments in the case of Julian Assange’s US extradition. Unfortunately, he could not be present in the courtroom due to illness, according to the reports.
UK High Court hears arguments in Assange’s case
The British High Court in London began a hearing on Tuesday to consider Julian Assange’s final appeal against his extradition to the U.S. Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, is facing espionage charges in the U.S. for publishing classified U.S. military documents.
The hearing will continue on Wednesday, and if unsuccessful, this could be his final appeal. Supporters of Assange demonstrated around the world, seeking his release from prison.
However, if he wins the case, a full appeal hearing could still be held in the future.
“Mr. Assange is being prosecuted for engaging in ordinary journalistic practices of obtaining and publishing classified information which is true and of public interest,” Assange’s lead lawyer, Edward Fitzgerald, told the court.
If he loses this appeal, Assange’s only remaining option would be at the European Court of Human Rights, and his wife, Stella, said his lawyers would apply to the European judges for an emergency injunction if necessary, according to Fox News.
“She told reporters that her husband’s life is at risk every day he remains in prison and that she believes he will die if he’s extradited to the U.S.”
Stella Assange has left the courtroom to inform her husband’s supporters about the ongoing hearing. #FreeAssange #DayX @Stella_Assange pic.twitter.com/jFX0P4H4r8
— junge Welt (@jungewelt) February 20, 2024
Assange’s father has also addressed the people:
Assange has been incarcerated in one form or another for 15 years without charge.#JohnShipton, Julian’s father pic.twitter.com/d0LXtB26jb
— Free Assange – #FreeAssange (@FreeAssangeNews) February 20, 2024
It’s been just reported on X by WikiLeaks that a UN torture expert is urging the UK to halt the extradition of Julian Assange to the US. Check out the latest reports about this extremely crucial case regarding free journalism and justice below.
UN torture expert urges UK to halt Julian Assange’s extradition to the US
Here is the tweet that WikiLeaks shared on X:
UN torture expert urges UK to halt extradition of Julian Assange to the US #FreeAssange
Link: https://t.co/J2Je0kA49z pic.twitter.com/q0SPKVbp9p
— WikiLeaks (@wikileaks) February 19, 2024
Alice Jill Edwards, the United Nations’ Special Rapporteur on Torture, has requested the UK Government to reconsider the potential extradition of Julian Assange to the US.
She has raised serious concerns regarding the possibility of Assange facing torture or other forms of mistreatment and punishment if extradited. Edwards has urged the British authorities to review Assange’s appeal thoroughly, taking into account these concerns.
“Julian Assange suffers from a long standing and recurrent depressive disorder. He is assessed as being at risk of committing suicide. In the United States, he faces numerous charges, including under the Espionage Act of 1917 for alleged unlawful releases of diplomatic and other cables and documents via WikiLeaks. If extradited, he could be detained in prolonged isolation while awaiting trial, or as an inmate. If convicted, he could be sentenced to up to 175 years in prison,” Edwards said.
Julian Assange’s legal team and prominent supporters are now making speeches outside of the Royal Courts of Justice in London.
Follow what’s happening on our live stream here 👇https://t.co/MJ4qQSCq5C
— Declassified UK (@declassifiedUK) February 21, 2024
Check out our previous article for more details about this.
It has also been revealed that Mike Pompeo conspired to kill Assange, and according to CBSN, he should be on trial.
The Former CIA Director Mike Pompeo should be on trial, not Julian Assange. pic.twitter.com/qnj1JE7p3e
— Te𝕏asLindsay™ (@TexasLindsay_) February 20, 2024
Stay tuned for more details about this crucial subject about the freedom of journalism and the world.