In a Mondaydecision published online, judge Vanessa Baraitser said that while she has “no reason to doubt” that he would receive a fair trial, “it would be oppressive to extradite him” to the U.S. given the isolation and conditions he would likely be held on. Baraitser ruled that it would pose a threat to Assange’s wellbeing.
“I accept that oppression as a bar to extradition requires a high threshold,” writes Baraitser. “I also accept that there is a strong public interest in giving effect to treaty obligations and that this is an important factor to have in mind. However, I am satisfied that, in these harsh conditions, Mr. Assange’s mental health would deteriorate causing him to commit suicide with the ‘single minded determination’ of his autism spectrum disorder.”
In April 2019,Assange, 49, was arrested in Londonand pulled from the Ecuadorian Embassy where he had been living in asylum for seven years. At the time, U.K. authorities said he faced U.S. extradition for alleged “computer-related offenses.” His arrest was made possible after Ecuador’s government withdrew its asylum and invited in London’s Metropolitan Police.
While leading WikiLeaks, Assange published a vast amount of classified or otherwise secret material from the American government and other high-powered officials around the world — in the name of utter transparency.
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The U.S. Department of Justice initially said he is suspected of conspiracy to commit computer intrusion and, if found guilty, faces up to five years in prison. According toCNN, in May 2019, the DOJ further charged Assange with 17 counts under the Espionage Act. If convicted, the combined maximum sentencing would be 175 years in jail.
“Julian embarrassed Washington and this is their revenge,” she said.
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source: people.com
