Julian Assange can be extradited to the U.S. to face trial on espionage charges over the mass leak of classified and confidential military documents, senior British judges have ruled.
The Wikileaks founder, 50, is accused in America of alleged crimes over the 2010 and 2011 release of information relating to the Iraq and Afghan wars as well as detainees at the notorious Guantanamo Bay.
His supporters say Assange is being prosecuted for journalistic activities, and argue the charges are politically-motivated.
Earlier this year, a District Judge ruled that Assange should not be extradited, as he would face an “oppressive” risk of suicide if held in a US high-security prison while awaiting a trial. But High Court judges, led by the Lord Chief Justice Lord Burnett, on Friday overturned that decision, paving the way for extradition to take place.
Delivering the ruling, Lord Justice Holroyde said US government assurances – now offered – on Assange’s safety have now changed the position. “Satisfactory assurances are sufficient to meet the concerns which lead to the District Judge’s decision”, he said, adding the Home Secretary would now make a final decision on Assange’s fate.
However the Wikileaks activist has already said he intends to challenge other parts of the extradition ruling went against him, and could challenge today’s ruling at the Supreme Court, Evening Standard reported.
