Julian Assange can appeal extradition to the US, UK court rules

CNN writers reported, "London’s High Court has ruled that Julian Assange has the right to appeal in his final challenge against extradition to the United States.

The legal victory for the WikiLeaks founder was cheered by dozens of his supporters as they rallied outside the court in the British capital.

Some beat drums, some shouted “drop the case,” while other supporters held placards reading “Let him go Joe!” in reference to US President Joe Biden."

Assange’s legal team argued in Monday’s hearing that the judges, Victoria Sharp and Jeremy Johnson, should not accept the assurances given by US prosecutors that he could seek to rely on the rights and protections under the US First Amendment.

His team made the case that, if extradited, Assange could be discriminated against on the basis of his nationality, as an Australian-born foreign national.

In a short ruling, the judges said the US submissions were not sufficient, granting Assange permission to a full appeal in relation to the legal points on freedom of speech and nationality.
A date has not yet been set for the next hearing.

The 52-year-old is wanted by US authorities on espionage charges connected to his organization’s publication of thousands of classified documents and diplomatic cables in 2010 and 2011. Assange faces spending the rest of his life behind bars if convicted.

Stella Assange, Julian’s wife, said outside the court that Monday’s ruling “marks a turning point.”

For the full read, visit CNN.