Julian Assange, founder of WikiLeaks, secured the right to appeal against his extradition to the United States for breaching national security laws. The UK High Court granted Assange permission to appeal after requesting assurances regarding free speech protections in a US trial. The 52-year-old Australian, known for releasing secret US documents in 2010, did not attend the hearing.
Had the appeal failed, Assange could have faced swift extradition after a lengthy legal battle. His wife, Stella, expressed relief at the ruling, calling for his freedom. Amnesty International praised the decision, citing the threat to press freedom posed by the US prosecution.
Supporters gathered outside the court, cheering the news. Assange’s defense questioned the applicability of the US First Amendment to his case, while US representatives argued his actions were not protected by free speech rights. With concerns about Assange’s health and treatment in prison, international pressure is mounting on the US to drop the charges.
As Assange faces another legal battle, the fight for his freedom continues amid global scrutiny of the case.