Julian Assange Wins Right to Appeal US Extradition Ruling
London Court Upholds Decision on Sex Crime Allegations
Embattled WikiLeaks Founder Can Appeal Extradition Order
London, May 20, 2024 - In a significant victory for freedom of the press, a London court has ruled that WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange can appeal a previous decision to extradite him to the United States on espionage charges.
Assange, who has been detained in Britain since 2010, has been accused by US authorities of conspiring to hack into government computer systems and publishing classified information. He has denied the charges, arguing that his actions were protected by journalistic freedom.
The High Court in London ruled on Monday that Assange has the right to appeal the extradition order, which was issued in April 2022. The court also upheld a lower court's decision to dismiss sex crime allegations against Assange, which had been brought by Swedish authorities but were later dropped.
Assange's supporters hailed the ruling as a major victory. "This is a significant step forward in the fight to protect freedom of the press and whistleblowers," said Kristinn Hrafnsson, editor-in-chief of WikiLeaks. "Julian Assange has been persecuted for his role in exposing government wrongdoing, and we are confident that he will ultimately be vindicated."
The US government has yet to comment on the ruling. However, the case is likely to continue for several months or even years as Assange's lawyers prepare for his appeal.
Assange's extradition to the US would have a chilling effect on journalism and free speech around the world. By allowing Assange to appeal his extradition order, the London High Court has sent a strong message that the rights of journalists must be protected.
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