UK Approves US Extradition Of WikiLeaks’ Founder Julian Assange
On Friday, UK Home Secretary Priti Patel approved the extradition of WikiLeaks’ founder Julain Assange to the US to face criminal charges, bringing his long-running legal saga closer to an end.
US authorities want Assange on 18 counts, including a spying charge, relating to WikiLeaks’ release of confidential US military records and diplomatic cables. Washington says the releases by Assange put lives in danger.
“In this case, the UK courts have not found that it would be oppressive, unjust or an abuse of process to extradite Mr Assange,” the UK Home Office said in a statement.
“Nor have they found that extradition would be incompatible with his human rights, including his right to a fair trial and to freedom of expression, and that whilst in the US he will be treated appropriately, including in relation to his health.”
Assange’s wife has said he plans to appeal the Home Office’s decision.
