United Kingdom: Julian Assange and press freedom in limbo as legal appeal postponed

March 26, 2024

Amnesty International on Tuesday postponed the UK Supreme Court's decision to grant an appeal against Julian Assange's extradition to the US, with the organisation's legal adviser Simon Crowther saying it “leaves Julian Assange and all defenders of press freedom in limbo”. in the fog.”

Amnesty International's counsel insists that “US prosecutors now have a second chance to provide diplomatic guarantees that the court will review in May.” “Instead of allowing this lengthy judicial process to continue, the United States should drop all charges against Assange.”

“While the US has allegedly promised the UK that it will not violate Assange's rights, we know from past cases that these 'assurances' are deeply flawed.”

Simon Crowther

“Despite the grave risk that Assange will be subjected to torture or ill-treatment in the United States, the UK is determined to extradite him. While the US has allegedly promised the UK that it will not violate Assange's rights, we know from past events that these 'assurances' are deeply flawed – and given the Assange case to date.” Diplomatic assurances are full of loopholes.” says Simon. Anger.

“Unfortunately, the court rejected some of Assange's arguments, namely that the extradition was political. The court suspended the process for other reasons so that the US could provide diplomatic assurances that it would reconsider later.

“The United States must stop the persecution of Assange for political reasons. By trying to arrest him, the US is sending a clear warning to editors and journalists around the world that they too can be targeted and that it is not safe for them to receive and publish classified information, even if it is in the public interest. , he insists..

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Following a hearing on February 20 and 21, the UK Supreme Court has issued its decision, and the court will now give the US an opportunity to present new diplomatic guarantees. The court will deliver the judgment again on May 20.

Amnesty International reiterated concerns that Assange could face serious human rights abuses if extradited to the US and warned of a profound “chilling effect” on media freedom worldwide.