Moments from now, arguments begin in the second day of a critical hearing in London on whether a media organization's founder Julian Assange has the right to appeal the government's decision to extradite him to the U.S. The 52-year-old is wanted on 18 criminal charges in America and is facing life in prison for his organization's leak of classified materials about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Assange's team argues that the extradition is political and undermines freedom of the press, stating it's an attack on the truth and the public's right to know. They claim Assange is a political prisoner whose life is at risk.
The debate centers on whether Assange, considered a journalist by his supporters, should be viewed as a criminal by the U.S. government. He released classified information in the public interest, sparking discussions on what constitutes public interest in journalism. The U.S. alleges that Assange endangered lives by releasing unredacted information, including the names of agents.
Today's arguments also touch on Assange's health, with concerns about his mental well-being and the risk of self-harm if extradited. There are even claims of a CIA assassination plot, allegedly involving plans to target Assange during his stay at the Ecuadorian embassy. These accusations, including former President Donald Trump's awareness of the plot, add complexity to the case.
The timeline for potential extradition remains uncertain. If the court dismisses today's arguments, the extradition process could begin within days to weeks. However, if further hearings or appeals arise, the process may extend, possibly involving the European Court of Human Rights. The judgment might not be immediate, as the court may require time for deliberation.
