Assange attorneys appeal his extradition
3 Min Read
Julian Assange's lawyers appeal a High Court ruling of extradition to the Supreme Court of Britain.
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Julian Assange in January 2020 (Reuters)
According to Wikileaks founder Julian Assange's fiancée, his attorneys have filed an appeal with the United Kingdom's Supreme Court against a High Court decision to extradite him to the United States.
The ruling on December 10 overturned an earlier decision by a British magistrates' court that extraditing the 50-year-old Australian to the US would be "oppressive" owing to his psychological health and danger of suicide.
The US has charged Assange with 18 counts for leaking classified military data regarding wars in Afghanistan and Iraq to Wikileaks in 2010.
In the United States, he might face up to 175 years in prison, however, his actual sentence may be hard to pinpoint.
Stella Morris, Assange's fiancee and lawyer Tweeted Thursday that his attorneys had submitted an appeal to the extradition order. She added no decision can be expected before late January.
Thread: https://t.co/PD8ilnm5jW
— Stella Moris #FreeAssangeNOW (@StellaMoris1) December 23, 2021
In October, US lawyers argued that not enough weight was given to expert testimonies concerning Assange's mental health.
Also cited were diplomatic assurances that Assange would not be kept isolated and would receive proper treatment.
Assange lawyers warn of suicide if extradited
In October, one of his defense lawyers argued that US promises that Assange would not be subjected to harsh prison conditions if extradited were not enough to address concerns regarding his fragile mental health and high risk of suicide.
Assange's lawyer said the Australian was "too mentally ill" to be extradited to the US in light of his trial on "espionage charges."
During a two-day hearing at Britain’s High Court, the lawyer said new data does not justify reconsidering the refusal to extradite Assange.
Australia urged to support Assange
Australian politicians are urging the government to take a stance and demand the release of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange.
Australian independent MP Andrew Wilkie called on Prime Minister Scott Morrison to demand the release of Assange and “end this lunacy."
“Mr. Assange should be looking forward to spending Christmas with his two young boys and his fiancee, but instead he’s facing a 175-year jail sentence and the very real possibility of living out his final days behind bars,” Wilkie said.
While appealing against his extradition to the US, WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange suffered a stroke in Belmarsh Prison during a High Court appearance via video link.
According to the Daily Mail, the stroke caused Assange a drooping right eyelid, memory problems, adding that there were signs of neurological damage. He has undergone an MRI scan and is now on anti-stroke medication.
