WikiLeaks founder and Australian citizen Julian Assange’s extradition to the United States was placed on hold today by London’s High Court of Justice, which stated that the United States must ensure that Assange will not face the death penalty for his alleged crimes. Assange is fighting extradition to the United States, where he is facing multiple espionage charges after WikiLeaks published classified documents obtained by U.S. Army intelligence analyst Bradley “Chelsea” Manning.
Assange’s wife, Stella, spoke after the court’s decision today, stating, “Today’s decision is astounding. The courts recognize that Julian is exposed to a flagrant denial of his freedom of expression rights, that he is being discriminated against on the basis of his nationality an Australian, and that he remains exposed to the death penalty, and yet what the courts have done have been to invite a political intervention from the United States to send a letter saying its all okay.”
WikiLeaks announced that Assange could be extradited in three weeks, stating on X, “BREAKING: Julian Assange may still be extradited to the US in three weeks if US Gov provides “assurances” — previously deemed by Amnesty as “inherently unreliable” — including that he will not be prejudiced at trial by reason of his nationality and not receive the death penalty. A press conference will be convened at Doughty Street Chambers immediately, press are invited to attend 54 Doughty Street, London WC1N 2LS”
