US Submits Assurances to UK Court on Assange's Extradition, but Concerns Remain
The US has submitted assurances to the UK High Court, allowing Julian Assange to be extradited without the possibility of a new appeal.
Last month, the court ruled that Assange could appeal if the US didn't guarantee that he could use the First Amendment to argue for free speech in his trial and that there would be no new charges leading to the death penalty.
The US has now provided these assurances, and Assange will be able to raise these protections in his trial.
Assange, 52, is wanted in the US for 18 charges, mostly under the Espionage Act, related to WikiLeaks' release of confidential military records and diplomatic cables.
The text reports that the US government has given assurances to the UK that they will not seek the death penalty for Julian Assange and will not interfere with the First Amendment in his extradition case.
However, Stella Assange, Julian's wife, expressed skepticism about these assurances, describing them as vague and not satisfactory.
The case will continue with a further court hearing in London on May 20.
Previously, Assange's lawyers and human rights groups have criticized similar US assurances given in other cases.
A diplomatic note regarding Julian Assange's case brought no immediate relief for his family, who are concerned about his future in a US prison for publishing journalism.
The US Department of Justice and High Court spokesperson remained silent.
Last week, President Biden expressed consideration for Australia's request to drop the prosecution, but it's unclear if he can influence the criminal case.
Reports suggest discussions about a potential plea bargaining deal are ongoing.
Assange, an Australian citizen, has been embroiled in legal battles since his 2010 arrest.
Supporter of Julian Assange view him as an anti-establishment hero for revealing US wrongdoing and war crimes through leaked classified files.
US authorities argue Assange is not being prosecuted for publication but for conspiring with Chelsea Manning to illegally obtain the files.
Stella Assange urges the Biden administration to drop the "dangerous prosecution."