UK and US: Julian Assange returns to British courts to face possible extradition to the US; The freedom of the world press is at stake

In the run-up to Julian Assange's next hearing before British courts to decide whether he can be extradited to the US, Amnesty International reiterates its concerns about Assange's risk of serious human rights violations if extradited, and warns of serious consequences. It will have a deterrent effect on press freedom around the world.

“The safety of editors and investigative journalists around the world is at stake. If Julian Assange is sent to the US and tried there, freedom of the press will also be put on trial,” said Julia Hall, Amnesty International’s expert on counter-terrorism and criminal justice in Europe.

The United States should drop charges against Assange under the Espionage Act and end his arbitrary detention in the United Kingdom.

Julia Hall, Amnesty International's expert on counter-terrorism and criminal justice in Europe

“Assange will suffer personally from these politically motivated accusations and the global media community will be told that he is not safe either. The public’s right to know what governments are doing in their name will be severely undermined.” The United States must drop charges against Assange under the Espionage Act and end his arbitrary detention in United kingdom”.

If Julian Assange loses the ability to appeal, he will risk extradition to the United States and prosecution under the Espionage Act of 1917, a wartime law that was never intended to criminalize the legitimate work of editors and journalists. Julian Assange could be sentenced to up to 175 years in prison. For the less serious charge of computer fraud, you can be sentenced to a maximum of 5 years in prison.

Assange would also be at high risk of being subjected to prolonged solitary confinement in a maximum security prison. Although the United States has offered “diplomatic assurances” to the United Kingdom, which apparently guarantee her safety if she is imprisoned, the assurances offered by the authorities include many qualifications that cannot be considered trustworthy.

He added: “Assurances from the United States do not give confidence. Doubtful assurances that he would receive decent treatment in an American prison ring false when we consider that Assange could face decades in prison under a regime whose abuses – including prolonged solitary confinement and inadequate health care for prisoners – are evident. “The United States simply cannot guarantee their safety and well-being, any more than it can guarantee them to the hundreds of thousands of people currently detained in American prisons,” Julia Hall said.

A global threat to freedom of the press

If Julian Assange is extradited, it would set a dangerous precedent that the US government could use to demand the extradition of editors and journalists around the world. Other countries can look to the United States and follow suit.

Julian Assange's publication of documents revealed by his sources in the context of his work with WikiLeaks is similar to the work of investigative journalism, where the activities described in the indictment are carried out on a regular basis: speaking with confidential sources, requesting clarifications or additional documents, receiving and disseminating official and confidential information. Occasionally”.

News and editorial media frequently publish confidential information to report on matters of highest public importance. The dissemination of information of public interest is the cornerstone of freedom of the press. Furthermore, it is protected under international human rights law and should not be criminalized.

“U.S. attempts to intimidate and silence investigative journalism from exposing government misconduct, such as war crimes or other violations of international law, must stop immediately.”

“Sources whose legitimate complaints communicate government wrongdoing to journalists and editors should also be free to share information that is in the public interest. If Julian Assange is prosecuted for doing legitimate editorial work, these sources will be even more reluctant to provide the information.”

Julian Assange is not the only one on the bench. By silencing Assange, others will be silenced.

Julia Hall

“The commitment of the US and British authorities to the fundamental principles of press freedom, on which the right to freedom of expression and the citizen’s right to information are based, is at stake. Julian Assange is not the only one on the bench. By silencing Assange, Julian Hall will be muzzled,” said Julia Hall. others.”

additional information:

The UK Supreme Court has confirmed that a hearing will be held on 20 and 21 February 2024. Its outcome will determine whether Julian Assange has further opportunities to defend his case before the British courts or whether he has exhausted all remedies in the UK, which will lead to… Extradition process or application to the European Court of Human Rights.