1/4/2021 - Court artist sketch by Elizabeth Cook of Julian Assange appearing at the Old Bailey in London for the ruling in his extradition case. A judge has ruled that Wikileaks founder Assange, 49, cannot be extradited to the United States. (Photo by PA Images/Sipa USA) *** US Rights Only ***
Julian Assange extradition
LONDON (AP) — A British judge has rejected a request by the United States to extradite WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to face espionage charges, saying it would be “oppressive” because of his mental health.
District Judge Vanessa Baraitser said Assange was likely to kill himself if sent to the U.S. The U.S government said it would appeal the decision.
U.S. prosecutors have indicted Assange on 17 espionage charges and one charge of computer misuse over WikiLeaks’ publication of leaked military and diplomatic documents a decade ago.
Lawyers for the 49-year-old Australian argue that he was acting as a journalist and is entitled to First Amendment protections of freedom of speech.
