Too fragile
We were told to expect a ruling out of London today in the extradition hearing for Wikileaks founder Julian Assange. If brought to the United States, Assange will face trial on a number of charges that could potentially land him in jail for the rest of his life. District Judge Vanessa Baraitser delivered that ruling this morning, dashing the hopes of American prosecutors, at least for the time being. After rejecting all of the procedural claims being made by Assange’s attornies as to why his extradition would be unlawful, the judge turned around and declared that Assange’s mental health precluded him from being sent to America, denying the extradition request. The United States will appeal the ruling immediately. (NBC News) WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange cannot be legally extradited to the United States to face espionage charges over the publication of secret American military documents, a British court ruled Monday. District Judge Vanessa Baraitser delivered her decision at London’s Old Bailey court, in a case that has pitted national security against freedom of expression. A crowd of reporters gathered outside as a small group of supporters chanted “Free Julian Assange.” Lawyers acting on behalf of the U.S. government have already said they will appeal the decision. If successful Assange,49, could still be transferred to the U.S., where he faces a maximum of 175 years in prison if convicted on 17 espionage charges and one charge of computer misuse.
