A British court has ruled that Julian Assange can appeal against his extradition to the US on espionage charges. This decision allows Assange to challenge the UK government’s extradition order, setting the stage for a lengthy appeal process. Assange faces 17 espionage charges and one charge of computer misuse for publishing classified US documents.
Assange’s lawyers argue that the US provided inadequate assurances regarding his free press protections if extradited. They claim that the US failed to guarantee Assange’s rights as a journalist under the First Amendment of the US Constitution. The real issue, according to lawyer Edward Fitzgerald, is whether an adequate assurance has been provided to remove the risk identified by the court.
17 espionage charges
The US government alleges that Assange encouraged the theft of classified documents, while his defense maintains he was a journalist exposing military wrongdoing. The court ruled that Assange could appeal unless the US guaranteed no death penalty and equal free speech protections. If these protections are not met, his extradition may violate the European Convention on Human Rights.
Despite reassurances from the US, Assange’s legal team argues they are insufficient for his protection in the federal court system. The case continues to spark debate over free speech and press freedoms.