UK judge refuses extradition of WikiLeaks founder Assange
(Sourced from PTI)
A British judge has rejected the United States' request to extradite WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to face espionage charges, which carry a maximum prison sentence of 175 years, saying it would be oppressive because of his mental health. District Judge Vanessa Baraitser said on Monday, Assange was likely to commit suicide if sent to the US. The US government will appeal against the decision.
US prosecutors have indicted Assange on 17 espionage charges and one charge of computer misuse over WikiLeaks's publication of leaked military and diplomatic documents a decade ago exposing US military wrongdoing in Iraq and Afghanistan. His lawyers argue that he was acting as a journalist and is entitled to First Amendment protections of freedom of speech for publishing the documents.
The judge rejected claims by the defense that Assange was protected by free-speech guarantees, saying his conduct, if proved, would therefore amount to offenses in this jurisdiction that would not be protected by his right to freedom of speech. However, she said Assange suffered from clinical depression that would be exacerbated by the isolation he would likely face in US prison.
The judge said Assange had the intellect and determination to circumvent any suicide prevention measures the authorities could take. WikiLeaks was founded by Assange in 2006. It is a multimedia organization and an associated library that analyzes and publishes classified data and other news leaks.
