Julian Assange's Wife Warns of His Death if Extradited to US
Julian Assange's wife, Stella, warned that the WikiLeaks founder's health is deteriorating and that he could die if extradited to the United States for espionage charges.
The 52-year-old has been held at London's Belmarsh Prison since 2019, with his latest appeal against extradition looming.
Stella Assange expressed the urgency at a press conference, stating her husband's life is at risk, and he could be sent to the US soon if his appeal fails. The High Court is scheduled to review his case next week.
Julian Assange sought refuge in Ecuador's London embassy for seven years to evade extradition to Sweden over now-dropped sexual assault accusations.
The US seeks to try Assange for releasing confidential military and diplomatic documents, under the 1917 Espionage Act, which could lead to a 175-year prison sentence.
Despite US assurances of humane treatment, WikiLeaks' editor-in-chief Kristinn Hrafnsson doubted their reliability, stressing the case's significance for press freedom worldwide.
With UK courts allowing extradition, Assange has one chance for appeal in the UK, but may seek recourse at the European level. However, UK compliance is not guaranteed due to tensions with the European Court of Human Rights.
The outcome of Assange's impending hearing next week is uncertain, as is his personal attendance.
Stella Assange expressed the urgency at a press conference, stating her husband's life is at risk, and he could be sent to the US soon if his appeal fails. The High Court is scheduled to review his case next week.
Julian Assange sought refuge in Ecuador's London embassy for seven years to evade extradition to Sweden over now-dropped sexual assault accusations.
The US seeks to try Assange for releasing confidential military and diplomatic documents, under the 1917 Espionage Act, which could lead to a 175-year prison sentence.
Despite US assurances of humane treatment, WikiLeaks' editor-in-chief Kristinn Hrafnsson doubted their reliability, stressing the case's significance for press freedom worldwide.
With UK courts allowing extradition, Assange has one chance for appeal in the UK, but may seek recourse at the European level. However, UK compliance is not guaranteed due to tensions with the European Court of Human Rights.
The outcome of Assange's impending hearing next week is uncertain, as is his personal attendance.
