Julian Assange Wins Right to Appeal US Extradition Amid Espionage Charges and Free Speech Concerns
May 20, 2024Julian Assange has been granted the right to appeal his extradition to the US by the High Court of England and Wales.
Assange faces charges of espionage and computer misuse for publishing classified US government documents.
The appeal is based on concerns that Assange may be discriminated against and denied US First Amendment protections as a non-US citizen.
President Joe Biden is considering the Australian government's request to end Assange's prosecution, with arguments that his journalistic actions should be protected under free speech laws.
There are concerns over the uncertainty of a successful appeal and the potential for a US trial on espionage charges.
MEAA is urging Biden to intervene to prevent further delays, while Assange's brother plans to lobby US officials for his release.
The prosecution is criticized for curtailing free speech and criminalizing journalism, with calls for the Australian government to pressure the US to drop the charges.
Summary based on 55 sources
Get a daily email with more World News stories
Sources
The New York Times • May 20, 2024
Julian Assange’s Extradition Appeal Hearing: What Could Happen?The New York Times • May 20, 2024
Julian Assange’s Extradition Appeal Hearing: What Could Happen?The Guardian • May 20, 2024
Julian Assange wins high court victory in case against extradition to US