Julian Assange Faces Extradition Battle as Supporters Demand Justice
US Prosecution "An Attempt to Punish" Leaks of Military Killings
WikiLeaks Founder Awaits Ruling on Appeal
Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, faces a crucial legal battle as he awaits a ruling on his appeal against extradition to the United States. Supporters of Assange maintain that the prosecution is politically motivated, an attempt to silence him for exposing government secrets.
Assange's extradition is sought by the US on 18 charges, primarily under the Espionage Act, related to WikiLeaks' mass release of classified information about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The leaked files alleged that the US military had killed civilians in unreported incidents during the Afghanistan conflict.
If extradited, Assange could face up to 175 years in prison. His legal team argues that the Espionage Act charges are unconstitutional and that the extradition request is an abuse of process. They contend that Assange's actions as a journalist are protected by the First Amendment.
The extradition hearing has sparked widespread protests and international condemnation. Supporters of Assange, including journalists, human rights groups, and lawmakers, have condemned the US prosecution as an attack on press freedom.
Komentar