Julian Assange’s Wife Addresses Crowd Outside Court As Wikileaks Founder’s Extradition Appeal Begins
Stella Assange, wife of Wikileaks founder Julian Assange, spoke to a gathered crowd of supporters outside the Royal Courts of Justice Tuesday morning ahead of a two-day appeal hearing as the Australian fights extradition to the United States.
“Thank you everyone for coming here today for Julian. He’ll be very moved to know that so many people showed up today,” she began. “Whatever happens today and tomorrow and this week, please keep on showing up. Be there for Julian and for us and for you until Julian is free.”
She continued: “We have two big days ahead. We don’t know what to expect. But you’re here because the world is watching. They have to know they can’t get away with this. Julian needs his freedom and we all need the truth. Thank you.”
A crowd of hundreds chanted “Free Julian Assange”, holding placards, waving golden ribbons and Australian flags. Several demonstrators delivered speeches, including Tim Dawson of the International Federation of Journalists, who warned of the dire implications for journalism should the prosecution succeed.
The court is set to deliberate on whether Assange, who has spent nearly five years in Belmarsh prison, can appeal the 2022 extradition decision sanctioned by then Home Secretary Priti Patel. Stella Assange has been a vocal advocate, urging the public to stand by her husband.
Assange faces severe charges under US law, including 17 counts of espionage, related to the publication of classified materials leaked by whistleblower Chelsea Manning that exposed US military actions in Iraq and Afghanistan. The US claims that Assange encouraged and helped Manning obtain illegal materials, in part by offering to help her guess a password. Manning’s sentence was commuted by former President Barack Obama at the end of his term in office.
The Wikileaks founder’s legal team is poised to argue that his extradition would contravene his human rights, including the right to free speech, and effectively punish him for political opinions.
The case has attracted international scrutiny, with Assange’s potential extradition raising alarms over press freedoms and human rights.
Previously, a judge had halted the extradition, citing concerns over Assange’s mental health but also the risk of suicide in US prison conditions. However, this decision was later contested, with US assurances about Assange’s treatment paving the way for the current appeal.
