Julian Assange Prepares For Another Hurdle In His Effort To Fight Extradition

Few wanted fugitives have sparked more international attention — and more than a little sympathy — than Julian Assange. The founder of Wikileaks is facing charges in the U.S. related to allegations that he illegally accessed classified documents and published them on the site.

He’s been living abroad for years while fighting efforts to compel his return to the States where he would face a criminal trial. A court in London, England, recently confirmed that it will conduct a hearing that would either result in his extradition or allow his appeals to continue.

Outlining Assange’s concerns

While it might seem natural for anyone facing an indictment to want to avoid a trial, Assange says he’s in a uniquely precarious situation. With 17 counts of espionage and one count of misusing a computer against him, he could receive a staggering 175-year prison sentence if convicted.

Additionally, he has expressed concerns that, given the nature of his charges, U.S. authorities wouldn’t provide adequate due process during his trial.

American judges, on the other hand, have insisted that Assange would receive a fair trial, and many experts predict that he wouldn’t receive anywhere close to the maximum sentence if he is ultimately convicted.

It all comes down to this

Assange, who has sought to defend his actions by asserting that he was acting as a journalist and should be protected by the First Amendment, will have an opportunity to plead his case against extradition in court. U.S. authorities will seek to convince the court that his rights would be protected if he is forced to return.

Meanwhile, Assange continues to sit behind bars since the Ecuadorian government rescinded his asylum status. He’d been seeking refuge in that nation’s embassy in London since 2012.

A court ruling could come as soon as today.

Chris Agee May 20th, 2024

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