WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange is being prosecuted for releasing names of sources rather than his political views, lawyers representing the United States said today, as Assange fights to stop his extradition from Britain.
What does the US stand for?
US prosecutors are seeking to bring 52-year-old Assange to trial over WikiLeaks’ release of important classified US military files and diplomatic cables.
They argue that the leaks endangered the lives of their agents and that there is no justification for his criminal action. Lawyers representing the US said that “the prosecution of Assange is based on the rule of law and evidence”.
Lawyer Claire Dobbin told the court that “Assange has indiscriminately and knowingly published, around the world, the names of individuals who acted as US intelligence sources.”
“It is these central facts that distinguish the appellant’s position from the New York Times and other media,” he added.
Assange’s position
Assange’s lawyers stressed at the High Court in London yesterday, Tuesday 20/02, that the case is politically motivated. They argue that Assange was targeted for exposing crimes at the state level, and that Donald Trump had asked for detailed options on how to kill him.
To date Julian Assange has spent 1771 days in a UK prison for publishing which revealed war crimes and human rights abuses
Assange has spent more than 13 years detained in one form or another
If extradited to the US he faces a 175 year sentence in conditions the UN’s torture… pic.twitter.com/P3QPpDiPsT
— WikiLeaks (@wikileaks) February 21, 2024
Assange’s supporters see him as a hero who is being prosecuted for exposing wrongdoing by the US.
“Julian Assange is a hero” reads a banner of his supporters in London. (photo REUTERS/Hannah McKay)
The Australian Assange was neither present in court today nor attended the hearing remotely, due to health issues.
“Free Assange. Journalism is not a crime” (photo REUTERS/Hannah McKay)
Source: RES-MPE
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