Jailed WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange is currently making his final bid to avoid extradition to the U.S. and a trial. The High Court of London is hearing arguments from Assange's attorneys today, who are seeking a full appeal to prevent his extradition. If the appeal is not granted, Assange could be handed over to the U.S. within weeks.
The case dates back to the leak of classified U.S. documents in 2010 and 2011, leading to the U.S. requesting Assange's extradition to face trial. The legal process in the United Kingdom has been ongoing for years, with the extradition request approved by the High Court, Supreme Court, and signed off by the then-Home Secretary, Priti Patel.
The current two-day hearing is questioning the Home Secretary's sign-off, with arguments suggesting political motivation as a reason for further hearings. Assange has raised concerns about his mental health and the risk of suicide if moved to the U.S., citing potential violations of his human rights. His absence from court due to illness is adding weight to these arguments.
A decision could potentially be reached at the end of the two-day hearing, but immediate extradition is unlikely even if the case is dismissed. The process could take weeks before any potential extradition. There is also the possibility of an appeal to the European Court of Human Rights, depending on the judges' ruling and the outcomes of the current proceedings.
