You are here: Home > News and Commentary > UK court allows expanded US appeal for Assange extradition
For Whistleblowers, Journalism and Democracy
Launched by the Institute for Public Accuracy in June 2014, ExposeFacts.org represents a new approach for encouraging whistleblowers to disclose information that citizens need in order to make truly informed decisions in a democracy. From the outset, our message is clear: “Whistleblowers Welcome at ExposeFacts.org.”
ExposeFacts aims to shed light on concealed activities that are relevant to human rights, corporate malfeasance, the environment, civil liberties and war. At a time when key provisions of the First, Fourth and Fifth Amendments are under assault, we are standing up for a free press, privacy, transparency and due process as we seek to reveal official information—whether governmental or corporate—that the public has a right to know. More information
UK court allows expanded US appeal for Assange extradition
Committee to Protect Journalists
Washington, D.C., August 12, 2021 — In response to Britain’s High Court decision yesterday to allow the United States government to expand its appeal to extradite Wikileaks founder Julian Assange, the Committee to Protect Journalists issued the following statement:
“The ongoing drive by the United States to extradite Julian Assange and prosecute him under the Espionage Act undermines press freedom globally,” said CPJ Deputy Executive Director Robert Mahoney. “A successful prosecution of the WikiLeaks founder, which hinges on an allegation of conspiracy between a publisher and sources, would hamper reporters’ ability to work with sources and whistleblowers and unearth information that the public should know. The Biden administration should stop trying to extradite Assange and drop all charges against him.”
Yesterday, the High Court ruled that the U.S. government could appeal a judge’s handling of a report on Assange’s mental health, as well as other more technical aspects of a January 4 decision barring his extradition, according to news reports. The appeal hearing is scheduled for October 27 and 28, according to the advocacy website Don’t Extradite Assange.
If extradited and convicted in the United States, Assange faces up to 175 years in prison: 10 years for each of the 17 charges filed under the Espionage Act, and five years for a Computer Fraud and Abuse Act violation, according to CPJ research.
https://cpj.org/2021/08/uk-court-allows-expanded-us-appeal-for-assange-extradition/