Julian Assange extradition appeal: what’s at stake and what will happen next?

Julian Assange, the creator of WikiLeaks, is endeavoring to avoid being extradited from the United Kingdom to the United States where he is accused of espionage.

The allegations against the citizen of Australia are related to the dissemination of numerous confidential records concerning the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as diplomatic exchanges, during the years 2010 and 2011.

What's on the line during the two-day high court hearing in London this week? And what efforts is the Australian government making in private to achieve a political breakthrough?

What Makes It Appealing?

Assange is trying to get permission to appeal based on the argument that his extradition violated the extradition agreement between the UK and the US. The agreement forbids extradition for political crimes.

Edward Fitzgerald KC, who is Assange's legal representative, expressed in written submissions to the court that the prosecution is attempting to label the application of basic journalistic methods to obtain and publish genuine classified information that is of significant public interest as a criminal offence, which is a completely novel and unprecedented legal undertaking.

Fitzgerald expressed that Assange and WikiLeaks had uncovered the US government's criminal behavior on a level that has never been seen before. This includes acts such as torture, kidnapping, unjustified killings, and war crimes. The release of a video showing a helicopter attack in Iraq where 11 individuals, including two journalists from Reuters, were killed, remains one of the most well-known exposures.

Fitzgerald claimed that the prosecution against Assange in the US was based on revenge from the government, and therefore, illegal. He further explained to the court that if Assange was extradited, there is a significant chance that he will not receive a fair trial.

How Does The US React To These Claims?

On Wednesday, oral arguments will be presented by the US, however, in written submissions, it alleged that Assange’s attorneys have continuously and repeatedly distorted the case.

James Lewis, a KC from the United States, declared that the founder of WikiLeaks is not facing charges for only sharing information, but rather for assisting or plotting with whistleblower Chelsea Manning to unlawfully gather the relevant documents. Apparently, these actions constitute severe criminal offenses. Additionally, WikiLeaks disclosed the unredacted names of the sources, which puts these individuals in grave danger of harm.

Assange: Win Or Lose? What's Next?

The legal team of Assange is requesting a complete hearing of appeal, which would permit them to examine his arguments in more detail before reaching a verdict.

In case the two judges refuse to allow a complete hearing for appeal, all legal battles in UK courts will have been concluded. This situation is causing anxiety among those who support Assange as they fear that he might get extradited to the US and made to stand trial there in a matter of few days.

If the bid to avoid extradition this week fails, there is one more option for appeal. Julian Assange's last chance at avoiding extradition to the US would come from the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). He would have to request that the ECHR instruct the UK not to extradite him while his case is being reviewed.

Australia's Secret Government Actions - Revealed!

Ever since the Labor Party won the election in 2022, the Australian government has been urging both the US and the UK to put an end to the pursuit of Assange. This request has been made by various high-ranking officials, including the prime minister, Anthony Albanese, who discussed it with US president, Joe Biden. In addition, Mark Dreyfus, Australia’s attorney general, revealed that he talked about the matter with his US counterpart, Merrick Garland, while in Washington DC last month. It should be noted that the Australian government is aware that it has limited power to influence the situation.

Last week, Australian government ministers expressed their growing annoyance at the lack of progress. They voted in support of a motion that emphasizes the vital role played by the UK and USA in resolving the matter quickly. By doing so, Mr Assange can return to his family in Australia.

During a parliamentary meeting, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed that Australians from all political backgrounds may have varying opinions regarding Julian Assange's actions. Nevertheless, they have collectively agreed that it is time to bring an end to this situation.

Albanese mentioned that Australia had no right to intervene in the judicial proceedings of other countries. However, he expressed his desire for the issue to be settled peacefully because it cannot continue to drag on endlessly.

During a conversation with ABC Radio Sydney on Wednesday, Albanese mentioned that he has been in consistent discussion with his legal advisors about a plan to navigate through this situation and support Mr. Assange. His goal is to ultimately see a positive outcome for Mr. Assange.

Can US Intervene? Any Hope?

Up until now, it seems like the Biden government has resisted the notion of interfering in the Department of Justice's efforts to chase after Assange.

In a meeting held in Brisbane last year, Antony Blinken, the US secretary of state, expressed the significance of his country's apprehensions regarding Assange's supposed involvement in the major leak of classified material in the US's history to our ally, Australia.

A group of people who support Julian Assange feel that the request from the Australian government to the US government poses a challenge in today's political climate. This is because the previous president, Donald Trump, is facing many accusations, and the current administration has made it clear that the Department of Justice operates independently.

Some people speculate that Trump may run against Biden in the next presidential election in 2024, and that he may be more sympathetic towards Assange due to WikiLeaks' involvement in releasing Hillary Clinton's emails before the previous election. However, it is important to note that it was actually the Trump administration that initiated the charges against Assange.

The president of the United States has extensive authority to grant pardons or reduce sentences. This was evidenced back in 2017 when former President Barack Obama reduced Manning's sentence regarding the WikiLeaks revelations.