The effort by Julian Assange to avoid extradition to the United States has faced a setback as US lawyers have offered assurances regarding his treatment, meeting the demands of a London court.
Assange, an Australian national, is contesting extradition in the High Court of England and Wales, which represents his final legal recourse in that jurisdiction. He faces multiple charges in the US related to the publication of classified information on the WikiLeaks platform, which he founded.
Last month, two justices of the court extended a legal opportunity to Assange by requesting assurances from the US legal team. These assurances included allowing Assange to invoke the first amendment of the US Constitution (protecting free speech), ensuring fair trial proceedings irrespective of his nationality, and confirming that the death penalty would not be applied if he is convicted.
The US has now provided these assurances, with the caveat that the decision on the applicability of the first amendment rests with US courts. The matter will return to court on May 20 for final representations before a decision is made on Assange’s extradition appeal.
Meanwhile, Assange remains detained at Belmarsh Prison in London since April 2019. His legal team has indicated a potential challenge in the European Court of Human Rights if their options in the UK are exhausted, although extradition during this process would be unprecedented.
A diplomatic solution remains possible, with US President Joe Biden considering Australia’s request to halt Assange’s pursuit. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese welcomed Biden’s statement and pledged ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Assange’s wife, Stella, expressed disappointment with the US assurances, calling them “weasel words” that do not alleviate concerns about his future. Supporters also worry about Assange’s health, urging the Biden Administration to drop the prosecution.
Rebecca Vincent from Reporters Without Borders emphasized the importance of examining the assurances thoroughly in court, highlighting the significant legal and human rights implications.
The charges against Assange stem from WikiLeaks’ publication of classified material in 2010, revealing US military actions in Iraq and Afghanistan. His legal team argues that the disclosures were in the public interest, while US prosecutors contend that Assange endangered lives by publishing unredacted documents.
Julian Assange’s brother, Gabriel Shipton, described the US prison system as concerning, expressing fear over Assange’s potential extradition and the implications for his well-being.
Geoffrey Robertson, a former member of Assange’s legal team, expressed doubts about the sufficiency of the US assurances, indicating potential skepticism from British justices during the upcoming court proceedings.
