Julian Assange latest: Wikileaks co-founder 'too ill' to attend last-ditch legal bid against extradition - BBC News

20 Feb 2024

At the High Court in London, reporter Dominic Casciani from the BBC is providing updates.

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Julian Assange - Figure 1 — Photo BBC News

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Tomorrow: Court Adjourned

The hearing that took place today has officially finished and will resume once again tomorrow morning.

Assange's Court Timeline

Throughout the day, we have been sharing updates on Julian Assange's efforts to avoid being extradited following his 2019 charges. It seems that he is leaving no stone unturned in pursuing legal options to fight against his extradition.

These are some of the important events that occurred during his legal disputes in the last ten years.

"Courtside: Media & Protesters Await Verdict"

I'm writing this article while standing outside the building of the High Court.

As I previously stated, the international press has a presence in this location.

Flanked by two distinct German news channels are my current sitting position.

It's no surprise that some American journalists are present to report on the situation. There have also been some Australian reporters around since Assange is an Australian citizen. This trial is making major headlines in both the UK and Australia.

Throughout the day, those in support of Assange have been present outside of the High Court. They persist in displaying their signs with the message "Release Julian Assange". Their intention is to wait until the conclusion of today's proceedings to see if his spouse, Stella, emerges to speak to them once more.

Spanish Court Probes Suspected CIA Scheme

As a correspondent who is based at home and focuses on legal matters, I am now reporting from the High Court.

Assange's team has given a significant update. The suspicions of a potential CIA conspiracy are still undergoing scrutiny by a Spanish court, and no definitive ruling has been made yet.

Spain got involved as it was requested to investigate claims about a security company situated in Spain, which purportedly kept an eye on Assange throughout the time he spent in the Ecuadorian embassy.

Mike Pompeo, who once headed the CIA and served as the US Secretary of State under the Trump administration, has refuted allegations of plotting to kill Assange.

Edward Fitzgerald KC, who represents Assange, claims that the rejection can be categorized as the typical response of someone who simply disagrees.

New Artwork From Inside The Court Room

As we have previously stated, Julian Assange, the co-founder of Wikileaks, is currently making a final effort to appeal his extradition to the United States. This is happening at the High Court.

He is currently undergoing a legal proceeding in the United States for distributing confidential military and diplomatic documents more than ten years ago.

Assange is not in attendance at the hearing - his attorney has communicated that he is unwell.

Assange's Lawyer Argues US Punishment Unfair

As a correspondent who covers stories related to the home and legal sector, I have had the opportunity to gather insightful information and conduct interviews with various professionals in these fields. It has been a fascinating experience to learn more about the intricacies involved in real estate transactions, landlord and tenant disputes, and the ever-evolving landscape of legal regulations and policies. Through my work, I have come to realize the importance of having a solid understanding of one's legal rights and responsibilities as a homeowner or tenant. It's not just about buying or renting a property, but also about ensuring that one is aware of any potential legal issues that may arise and how to navigate them. I have also had the privilege of sharing stories of individuals who have faced legal challenges and found ways to overcome them, whether it's through mediation, arbitration, or litigation. These stories serve as a reminder that although the legal system can be complex and confusing, there are also avenues for seeking justice and resolution. Overall, my work as a home and legal correspondent has been both interesting and enlightening. It has shown me the importance of staying informed about legal developments and being proactive in taking steps to protect one's legal rights.

There is a possibility, according to Edward Fitzgerald KC, that Julian Assange might face an unjust and disproportional sentence even if he gets extradited to the US with the promise of fair treatment.

According to Fitzgerald, there are indications that some defendants are being punished not only for their proven actions but also for other alleged behavior that hasn't been proven.

He gives an instance of a drug-related lawsuit in the United States that entails a man who was found guilty of transporting marijuana. However, his punishment included a connection to a murder that the accused hadn't committed.

Basically, he is stating that Assange might be given a much harsher punishment than what the US has indicated to the British. In previous court sessions, the US representatives have consistently denied this claim.

Did Trump Plan An Assassination?

I am a correspondent who writes about legal matters from the High Court. My focus is on news related to homes, property, and other real estate issues. Here, I present my observations and reports on the latest happenings.

During the course of the case, the legal team representing Julian Assange has expressed concerns that he may be subjected to extrajudicial action. This term is used as a cautious way of suggesting that there is a possibility of him being assassinated or facing harm that goes beyond a lawful punishment given after a fair trial.

The main claim, which has not been proven with evidence yet, is that the CIA planned to murder Assange while he was staying in the Ecuadorian embassy in London for seven years.

According to Mark Summers KC, the attorney representing Assange, there are indications of an extraordinary scheme.

During a legal proceeding, he informed the judges that the former president of the United States, Donald Trump, requested a thorough presentation of various alternatives for eliminating Assange.

According to him, high-ranking CIA officials asked for proposals while the President himself asked for alternatives on how to accomplish it. Additionally, there were even rough drafts created.

Assange's Extradition: A Brief History

Assange established Wikileaks website in 2006, and later released large amounts of records uncovering controversies such as bribery in Kenya, civil unrest in Tibet that occurred in China, and attacks by unmanned aircraft in Yemen.

After a span of four years, Wikileaks uncovered a footage from a military chopper belonging to the United States, capturing the shooting of civilians in the Iraqi capital of Baghdad.

The website also made public numerous private files which were given to them by ex-American Army intelligence analyst, Chelsea Manning.

During the year 2019, the United States government accused him of 18 offenses connected to the dissemination of millions of confidential government files regarding the battles in Iraq and Afghanistan through Wikileaks.

Assange has been incarcerated in Belmarsh jail located in London as he contests against being extradited to the United States.

Street Musicians At Royal Courts Of Justice

I'm currently stationed outside the High Court where I am providing updates and information. I'm currently stationed outside the High Court building, offering the latest news and details.

I'm currently situated outside the High Court building, where the key individuals have returned back inside the courtroom. However, a considerable number of advocates for Julian Assange are still present and remain outside the court.

Some individuals are currently tuning in to talks delivered by different individuals.

A different crowd has assembled around some artists who are playing music directly in front of the entrance of the Royal Courts of Justice.

The song's lyrics focus on Julian Assange and feature a specific line stating: "Our support for Julian Assange will endure."

Australia Wants Assange Back Home

The previous week, the Labor government in Australia decided to request that the US and the UK permit Julian Assange to go back to his home country.

The gesture doesn't really change anything significant except for showing that the Australian government supports its citizen. However, the motion is a sign that there are new diplomatic attempts to release Assange.

To illustrate, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese brought up this issue with US President Joe Biden in the past year, and Australia's lawyer general, Mark Dreyfus, conferred about this topic with his US equivalent, Merrick Garland, in Washington DC just recently.

The past administration, headed by the right-wing Liberal Party, showed minimal participation in Assange's situation. They expressed that Assange wouldn't receive exceptional consideration and that they would honor the legal process of the United Kingdom.

Wikileaks Editor Upset By Hearing Access

Kristinn Hrafnsson, the editor of Wikileaks, was speaking to a group of people outside the High Court in the heart of London. The crowd had gathered to show their backing for Julian Assange.

"He says he has little belief in the court system here if this is how they carry out open justice."

Hrafnsson claims that he was among the group of journalists who were directed to the extra room due to problems with the sound transmission and consequently, he couldn't catch the entire morning's actions.

He says: "It's ridiculous that reporters can't witness one of the most crucial trials for journalists today."

As we stated before, only a few individuals were allowed inside the courtroom to observe the process.

Ex-official Claims US Has Right To Extradite Assange

Recently, an ex-Official who worked for the United States as an Assistant Secretary of State responsible for Public Affairs shared his concerns with BBC Radio 4's World at One show. The conversation was regarding the negative effects of the disclosure of classified documents on Wikileaks, which took place in the year 2010.

According to PJ Cowley, Julian Assange cannot claim that no harm was caused by the leaked information.

According to Cowley, Julian Assange exposed unedited information and confidential documents that endangered individuals, hence he is referred to as an "activist".

According to Cowley, there was a particular source of intelligence that was imprisoned.

According to Cowley, he thinks that there was certainly harm caused initially, but the United States has succeeded in controlling the effects of the leaks afterward.

Rewritten sentence: The United States has a justifiable reason to ask for his extradition considering his actions.

Assange Daughter: US Deflecting From Rights Breaches

I'm a reporter who covers legal news and events related to the home and housing industry. Currently, I'm reporting from the High Court.

While on my lunch break, I had the opportunity to converse with Stella Assange, the spouse of Julian Assange, in front of the High Court. I was among the various journalists who were able to exchange words with her.

I inquired from her about her thoughts on the morning's session.

BBC Interviews Stella Assange, Global Media In Attendance

I'm coming to you live from the front of the High Court building.

I'm currently with Julian Assange's advocates outside the court.

During the midday break at the courthouse, Stella, his spouse, had delivered a speech to them from a platform.

When she was presented, the crowd shouted "Stella, Stella". She informed them that the matter was related to the capability of disclosing factual information and revealing unlawful acts performed by governments.

After finishing her performance, she agreed to an interview with my coworker Dominic Casciani while numerous reporters from across the globe surged to listen to her comments.

When Dom inquired about their next course of action in case of failure, she replied that they would attempt to appeal to the European Court of Human Rights. Several individuals who have also faced legal proceedings are currently granting interviews to the press before the case resumes.

Today's Progress Update:

As the High Court takes a lunch break, here's a brief overview of the events that have taken place on the initial day of the hearing to decide whether Julian Assange, one of the founders of Wikileaks, should be allowed a final opportunity to appeal against his extradition.

"Growing Crowd Protests Outside Court During Hearing"

I am providing updates from the area around the High Court.

When the supporters outside heard that the court was breaking for lunch, the noise suddenly got louder.

As I write this, I am able to hear a bunch of folks yelling "liberate Assange" and making noise with whistles and drums.

Law enforcement officials are endeavoring to ensure that the designated area for pedestrians to cross the road, which happens to be situated directly outside the entrance to the courthouse, remains unobstructed.

Those who support Assange are anticipating a possible appearance by his wife, Stella, during the court's intermission to address them.

Break Time At Court: Two Crucial Actions

I am a correspondent reporting from the High Court on legal matters related to homes and housing.

The court session has recently concluded for midday break, but there were two significant interruptions towards the end.

Mark Summers KC, one of Julian Assange's primary attorneys, stated that during the initial extradition hearing, all the evidence indicated that national security leaks are a regular occurrence in the United States. He noted that there are several journalists whose sole focus is to publish such information.

He stated that no one had faced charges for releasing that information, which raises the question of why his client is being targeted.

Afterward, one of the two judges, Justice Johnson, posed a query.

He was curious about whether somebody had faced punishment for the specific leak that the US has blamed Assange for releasing - which exposed the actual identities of confidential informants.

The US strongly believes that Assange put the lives of confidential informants in jeopardy in Iraq and Afghanistan. These informants had provided valuable aid to the US military in fighting against insurgents and terrorist organizations.

Lunch Break In Court

The court is about to take a break for lunch and we'll keep updating you with the most recent news once the hearing starts again.

US Plotted To Harm Assange, Court Told

Currently, the court is receiving additional information from Julian Assange's legal representatives regarding a purported plan by the US to either murder or abduct the co-founder of Wikileaks.

Attorneys for Julian Assange stated that evidence has been revealed indicating that the United States had formulated a strategy to either eliminate or carry out an extradition of Assange to the country. This information has been made clear to judges in the case.

The testimony provided by the second confidential witness in front of the district judge was remarkably stunning.

During the court proceedings, Summers revealed that there had been a scheme to abduct or use poison on Assange whilst he was residing in the Ecuadorian embassy in London for around seven years.

Summers thinks the district judge should have paid more attention because there were many warning signs. He explains that the idea didn't work out because the UK authorities didn't approve of the idea of taking someone by force or having a gun battle on the streets of London.