Assange Wins Reprieve in US Extradition Case with Conditional Appeal Approval

Assange Wins Reprieve in US Extradition Case with Conditional Appeal Approval

1. Introduction
2. Appeal Granted with Conditions
3. Reactions and Implications

Introduction

Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, has been granted a temporary reprieve in his fight against extradition to the United States. Two judges have ruled that Assange can take his case to an appeal hearing, but only if the Biden administration provides suitable assurances. If the US fails to provide these assurances by April 16, Assange will be granted permission to appeal.

Appeal Granted with Conditions

In a written judgment handed down on Tuesday, the judges stated that Assange had real prospects of success on three of the nine grounds argued. These grounds include concerns about Assange's first amendment rights, potential prejudice due to his nationality, and the possibility of the death penalty being imposed. The judges emphasized that these concerns "may be capable of being addressed by assurances" from the US government.

Reactions and Implications

Assange's wife expressed dismay at the decision, calling it an invitation for political intervention from the US. Human rights groups and journalists have also urged the US to drop the extradition case. The UN special rapporteur on torture expressed concerns about Assange's mental health and the potential for disproportionate punishment or solitary confinement in the US. The US government has been given until April 16 to file assurances. If it does, a hearing will be held on May 20 to consider them. Legal experts believe that the assurances sought by the judges are relatively straightforward for the US to provide.