Julian Assange: Wikileaks founder in last-ditch bid to avoid US extradition
The American government is seeking the arrest of Assange for allegedly exposing confidential information in 2010 and 2011 (as shown in a previously taken picture).
Editorial section on domestic and legal matters
Attorneys representing Julian Assange have initiated what might be his last attempt to prevent being extradited to the United States to stand trial for exposing classified military information.
During the two-day trial at the High Court in London, his legal representatives are presenting an argument for granting him the opportunity to appeal in its entirety.
In the courtroom, Edward Fitzgerald KC argued that his client's prosecution was based on the fact that they were simply carrying out their regular journalistic duties.
In case the appeal is rejected, the possibility of Mr. Assange being surrendered is high and it could happen in a matter of weeks.
People who back the founder of Wikileaks argue that he revealed unethical behavior, while the United States claims that Mr. Assange endangered human lives.
Two judges, namely Dame Victoria Sharp and Mr Justice Johnson, are presiding over the case.
During the start of the hearing, Mr. Fitzgerald explained that his client is facing charges for participating in standard journalistic procedures of acquiring and releasing classified data, which is not only factual but also highly significant for the public.
He additionally stated that Mr. Assange won't make an appearance in court due to his poor health.
In a blog post, it was revealed that Mr. Fitzgerald plans to challenge the case and establish that his client was the intended target of a supposed plot by the CIA to eliminate Mr. Assange during his stay at the Ecuadorian Embassy in London.
He stated that the accusation contained "particular proof" that was not adequately reviewed by judges in Britain.
During his court appearance, he warned that there's a genuine possibility of the CIA or other organizations resorting to extrajudicial measures against him.
Ahead of Tuesday's hearing, a group of people who support Assange congregated outside the court. They held up signs with the message "Dismiss the accusations".
The supporters were acknowledged by Stella Assange, the wife of Julian Assange, and she expressed her gratitude. She spoke to them from a platform outside the courthouse and stated that there were important events in the near future . The outcome of these proceedings is uncertain, but their attendance is noted as a result of global observation.
Jodie Asard made a journey from Adelaide all the way to London with her son to demonstrate her support. She commented that this trial could potentially be the most important one in terms of freedom of speech, freedom of press, and our right to access information. That's precisely why she decided to attend.
Tim Dawson from the International Federation of Journalists was also present outside the court. He commented that this case would influence journalists to reconsider publishing their articles.
Coming from Australia, the extensive legal fight of Mr. Assange kicked off in 2010 after Wikileaks made public a large quantity of confidential military documents that revealed what happened in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Among these documents was a video which depicted a US helicopter shooting civilians in Baghdad.
He sought asylum in the Ecuadorian embassy located in the capital of England for a total of seven years, until he was apprehended by the Metropolitan Police in 2019.
In that particular year, the United States requested for his extradition from the United Kingdom, claiming that the revelations put lives at risk.
After a span of two years, a judge from Britain decided that although the United States had presented a lawful criminal complaint against Mr. Assange, he could not be extradited due to the possibility of him inflicting self-harm.
After receiving new assurances from the UK regarding the humane treatment of Mr. Assange, including the option of serving any potential prison sentence in Australia, the US reversed its previous decision.
People who are in favor of Julian Assange and standing outside the court believe that the case is about the right to express oneself freely.
The attorneys have consistently refuted allegations made by Mr. Assange's team that he may receive a 175-year prison term.
During the current week's legal hearing, the legal representatives of Mr. Assange are seeking approval to oppose the order of extradition that was signed by the UK's former home secretary, Priti Patel, almost two years before.
In case the judges are not persuaded by their argument against the order, Mr Assange will be sent extradited in less than a month from now. Unless, he manages to persuade the European Court of Human Rights to halt the plane with a "Rule 39" order on a temporary basis.
According to Nick Vamos, a past leader for extradition at the Crown Prosecution Service, the US Marshals might come to London very soon if the High Court doesn't agree with the case.
He mentioned that the European Court of Human Rights has a strict criteria for stepping in, which requires a high level of risk that irreparable harm will occur to a person's human rights. This is something that the High Court in London has recently denied, so it's not likely that the European Court of Human Rights will intervene.
Stella Assange shared with the BBC on Monday that her spouse wouldn't make it through incarceration in a US prison due to the politically-driven nature of his case.
She stated that this particular situation would decide whether he remains alive or not.
Since 2019, Mr Assange has been detained at Belmarsh Prison in London while awaiting the process of his extradition to the United States.
