Earlier today London’s High Court granted WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange’s request to appeal his extradition to the United States. Amnesty International stated the High Court’s decision was positive news for Assange and press freedom, stating in a press release:
The High Court’s decision is a rare piece of positive news for Julian Assange and all defenders of press freedom. Amnesty International considers that if extradited to the USA, Assange will be at risk of serious abuse, including prolonged solitary confinement, which would violate the prohibition on torture or other ill-treatment. “The USA’s ongoing attempt to prosecute Assange puts media freedom at risk worldwide. It ridicules the USA’s obligations under international law, and their stated commitment to freedom of expression. In trying to imprison him, the US is sending the unambiguous message that they have no respect for freedom of expression, and that they wish to send a warning to journalists and publishers everywhere: that they too could be targeted, for receiving and publishing classified material — even if doing so is in the public interest.
Assange’s wife, Stella, stated after the court hearing, “As a family we are relieved, but how long can this go on? The United States should read the situation and drop this case now. Now is the moment to do it. Just abandon this shameful attack on journalists, on the press, and the public that has been going on for fourteen years.”
U.K. Labour MP John McDonnell called for Assange’s release, stating on X:
I spoke this morning outside the court hearing of Julian Assange. I firmly believe that he has committed no crime & should be released. He simply reported the truth. If we allow him to be extradited he will be at risk & no journalist will be safe in exposing state war crimes.
