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WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange can appeal extradition order to the US, London court rules

  • Two High Court judges aid Assange has grounds to challenge the UK government’s extradition order, setting the stage for an appeal process likely to further drag out
  • Assange faces 17 espionage charges and one charge of computer misuse over his website’s publication of a trove of classified US documents almost 15 years ago

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WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange was given permission to have a full appeal over his extradition to the United States after arguing at London’s High Court on Monday he might not be able to rely on his right to free speech at a trial. Photo: EPA-EFE

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange can appeal against extradition to the United States on espionage charges, a London court ruled on Monday – a decision that is likely to further drag out what has already been a long legal saga.

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High Court judges Victoria Sharp and Jeremy Johnson said Assange has grounds to challenge the United Kingdom’s government’s extradition order.

Assange, 52, has been indicted on 17 espionage charges and one charge of computer misuse over his website’s publication of a trove of classified US documents almost 15 years ago.

His supporters cheered and applauded outside court as news of the ruling reached them from inside the Royal Courts of Justice.

The Australian computer expert has spent the last five years in a British high-security prison after taking refuge in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London for seven years. The WikiLeaks founder was not in court to hear his fate being debated. He did not attend for health reasons, his lawyer said.

Supporters hold placards outside the High Court during WikiLeaks’ founder Julian Assange’s extradition appeal hearing in London on Monday. Photo: EPA-EFE
Supporters hold placards outside the High Court during WikiLeaks’ founder Julian Assange’s extradition appeal hearing in London on Monday. Photo: EPA-EFE

Lawyers for Assange argued on Monday that the US provided “blatantly inadequate” assurances the WikiLeaks founder would have free press protections if extradited to the US

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