US provides guarantees and Assange extradition can proceed

Os USA provided the guarantees requested by the High Court of Londonwhich could make it possible to extradite the founder of WikiLeaks, Julian Assangefrom UK.

Last month, the High Court ruled that without certain guarantees from the US, Assange, 52, could launch a new appeal against extradition to face 18 chargesall but one under the Espionage Act, related to the disclosure of military records and confidential diplomatic documents of USA for the WikiLeaks.

These guarantees, that Assange could rely on the country’s right to freedom of expression, First Amendment and that there was no prospect of new charges that could result in the death penalty, were presented within the deadline that expires this Tuesday.

The document, seen by Reuters, states that Assange will be able to count on the protections of the First Amendment and says that “a death sentence will neither be sought nor imposed.”

“These guarantees are mandatory for any and all individuals, present or later, to whom authority to decide the issues has been delegated”, says the document.

There will now be a new hearing at the London court on May 20, but his lawyers have previously described assurances given by the US in other cases as not “worth the paper they are written on”, echoing similar criticism from rights group Amnesty International .

Assange’s wife Stella, whom he married while in prison in London, said the assurances did not meet her concerns.

“The United States has issued a no guarantee regarding the First Amendment and a default guarantee regarding the death penalty,” she said in a statement.

“The diplomatic note does nothing to alleviate our family’s extreme anguish about their future – the grim expectation of spending the rest of their lives isolated in a US prison for publishing award-winning journalism.”

There was no immediate comment from the U.S. Department of Justice or a High Court spokesperson.

Context and reactions

Julian Assange, founder of WikiLeaks, faces 18 charges in the United States, most of them under the Espionage Act, related to the release of confidential documents.

Assange’s extradition has been a controversial topic, with debates over press freedom and human rights.

Assange’s lawyers argue he faces significant risks if extradited to the US, including potential confinement in harsh conditions. They also express doubts about the validity of the guarantees offered by the US, considering them insufficient.

Hearing in May

The next court hearing in London is scheduled for May 20. This hearing will be crucial in determining the next steps in the extradition process. The High Court’s decision will depend on the assessment of the guarantees provided by the US and the response of Assange’s lawyers.

Assange’s wife comments

Stella Assange has criticized the US guarantees, saying they do not address concerns about her husband’s rights and the potential impact on their family.

She expressed the anguish of facing the possibility of Assange spending the rest of his life in a US prison.

Official positions

To date, there has been no official comment from the US Department of Justice or the High Court on the assurances provided.

The international community continues to follow the case closely, with several human rights organizations expressing concerns about the implications for press freedom and journalists’ rights.

Implications for press freedom

Assange’s case raises significant questions about press freedom and the treatment of journalists who disclose confidential information. The final decision on his extradition could have far-reaching repercussions for the protection of journalists’ rights around the world.

With information from Reuters

Foto: Reuters/Henry Nicholls