WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange launched a final legal challenge in the UK to prevent his extradition to the U.S. on spying charges. The case, seen as Assange’s last chance to avoid extradition, is described by his lawyers and wife as politically motivated and an attack on journalism. U.S. prosecutors seek to try Assange on 18 charges related to WikiLeaks’ release of confidential U.S. military records and diplomatic cables. Assange, who did not appear in court due to illness, faces the risk of a “flagrant denial of justice” in the U.S., according to his lawyer. Assange’s legal team argues that the extradition is politically motivated, aiming to punish him for exposing U.S. “state-level crimes.” If Assange wins, a full appeal hearing will follow; if he loses, his only remaining option is the European Court of Human Rights. Assange, who founded WikiLeaks in 2006, gained prominence in 2010 with the release of classified documents exposing U.S. war crimes. Demonstrations outside the High Court called for a fair verdict, criticized the U.S. extradition request, and demanded Assange’s release, asserting his role in defending freedom of the press.
Source – CGTN
Photo Credit – CNN