Reprieve for Assange: Wikileaks founder can still hope

What was decided?

The 52-year-old cannot be immediately transferred to the United States, London’s High Court ruled on Tuesday. The Australian’s request for an appeal could therefore still be granted.

As the judges explained, the appeal was rejected on six out of nine counts. On three other points it depends on whether the US government and the British Home Secretary can provide appropriate guarantees. The judges set a period of three weeks for this.

What threatens Assange in the US?

The question is whether Assange can invoke the right to freedom of expression during a trial in the US and whether he enjoys the same rights as American citizens, whether he is not prejudiced because of his citizenship and whether the death penalty will not be imposed. If the deadline passes without assurances being provided, an appeal hearing must take place immediately. If the guarantees are provided on time, a decision should be made based on a further hearing on May 20.

The US government wants to try the Australian on espionage charges. He faces a prison sentence of up to 175 years. Washington accuses him of stealing and publishing classified material from military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and many other classified documents with whistleblower Chelsea Manning, endangering the lives of American informants. However, Assange’s supporters see him as a journalist targeted by the Washington judiciary for exposing US war crimes.

What does his wife say?

Tuesday’s verdict was eagerly awaited after a two-day hearing. Assange’s wife Stella had expressed fears that if the appeal was rejected, he could be immediately put on a plane to the US. That has now been prevented for the time being. But Assange continues to fight only to be able to legally object to the extradition that has already been decided. If this application is rejected, his only option is to go to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg.

Stella Assange fears for his life due to the expected harsh prison conditions in the US and her husband’s unstable psyche. The risk of suicide was also why a judge initially denied the extradition. But the decision was later reversed. The British government has already agreed to his extradition.

What is Assange accused of?

Washington accuses Assange of stealing and publishing classified material about US military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan with whistleblower Chelsea Manning, endangering the lives of US informants. However, Assange faces criminal charges for his journalistic activities. His supporters warn of a dangerous precedent that could have serious consequences for investigative journalism.

Where is Assange located?

Assange has been in London’s Belmarsh prison for almost five years. Before his arrest in April 2019, he had evaded law enforcement authorities in the Ecuadorian embassy in London for years. They initially targeted him over rape allegations in Sweden. However, these charges were later dropped due to lack of evidence.

Hundreds of people demonstrated in front of the courthouse for Assange’s immediate release. Journalists’ associations, human rights organizations and politicians are also campaigning for him. Last but not least, the Australian government is now calling for an end to criminal prosecution.

(yam/saw/sda/dpa)