Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, is scheduled to have his final opportunity to avoid extradition to the United States during a March hearing in a UK court, WikiLeaks said on Tuesday.

Earlier in the day, WikiLeaks stated that a ruling in Assange's case was expected "shortly."

WikiLeaks posted on X that March will be the final appeal.

UPCOMING DATES:

March: Decision on Julian Assange final UK appeal
7 Mar: Anniversary 'Vault 7' Release
5 Apr: Anniversary 'Collateral Murder' Release
3 May: World Press Freedom Day #FreeAssange #FreeAssangeNOW pic.twitter.com/FMo4hL4FBS

— WikiLeaks (@wikileaks) February 27, 2024

Last week, a UK court heard hearings to assess the US extradition request for Assange. Judges Victoria Sharp and Jeremy Johnson stated that they will make their decision later.

A week ago, Edward Snowden, former US National Security Agency contractor and whistleblower, said that the potential extradition of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to the United States by UK authorities would constitute a breach of the US-UK extradition treaty. 

"The outrageous part of the UK's years-long 'trial' to condemn Julian Assange to die in an American dungeon is that the victim of his 'crime' (journalism) is a state rather than a person — the definition of a political offense, which the US-UK extradition treaty explicitly forbids," Snowden wrote on X.

He further called on political leaders and journalists not to remain silent on Assange's trial as they could still "actually influence the outcome."

The High Court of Justice in London began a two-day hearing on Julian Assange's case last week and authorities will assess whether the journalist will have more opportunity to contest extradition to the US in UK courts.

Assange was absent from court due to illness as his lawyer made a final appeal against extradition to the US.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said last Wednesday it was time Assange "was brought home," as the Australian citizen faces his last chance in the UK to prevent his extradition to the US.

Talking to ABC Radio, Albanese pointed out that he addressed the issue at the "highest levels" with Washington and the UK.

Life and death

Stella Assange, Assange's wife and lawyer, demanded his release from jail at a major rally in London, vowing that all of his prosecutors would be brought to justice in some way.

The Australian premier stated that his government is actively involved in diplomatic efforts with both countries and is focused on achieving a resolution rather than generating headlines.

"It's a legal process in another country. So, that is why, both with the US and the UK, we have to engage diplomatically. We certainly have done so," he said.

The Australian parliament passed a resolution last week calling for Assange to be allowed to return to his home country.

Read more: Julian Assange proclaimed honorary citizen of Rome

In a significant ruling in 2021, the UK High Court determined that Assange should be extradited, rejecting arguments about his fragile mental state and the potential risks he could encounter in a US prison.

Should Assange's appeal be unsuccessful, he retains the option to file an appeal with the European Court of Human Rights to forestall his extradition to the US. Nonetheless, his legal team is concerned that the British government might attempt to transport him by air before such an appeal can be pursued.