Julian Assange extradition decision to be announced in March

Supporters of Julian Assange turned out in large numbers as the WikiLeaks founder’s extradition hearing resumed.  Locked up in the high security Belmarsh Prison on the edge of London since 2019, Assange didn’t attend the hearing because of his poor health.

The U.S. claims he is guilty of spying and wants him to stand trial in a court in the United States.  His backers say his case is a threat both to the rule of law and to the very foundation of proper journalism.   They say his extradition would have a devastating blow to journalism worldwide if an Australian journalist that is publishing in Europe can be imprisoned in the United States, not a single journalist anywhere in the world is safe.

Kristinn Hrafnsson, WikiLeaks Editor-in-Chief, told reporters:  “This is the reason why all major press freedom organization, human rights organization and freedom of speech organization in the world, are rallying behind Julian because they recognize the seriousness of the implication of this case, if it goes ahead.”

The High Court in London will begin considering the WikiLeaks founder, Julian Assange’s last-ditch bid to challenge his extradition to the United States.  According to the judges, the decision will be announced on or about March 5th.