Assange Faces 175 Years in U.S. Prison
Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, is facing 17 charges related to receiving, possessing, and communicating classified information. If extradited to the U.S., the 52-year-old could face trial in Virginia and be sentenced to up to 175 years in a maximum-security prison.
Charges Stem from 2010 Publication
The charges against Assange were brought by the Trump administration in connection with WikiLeaks’ 2010 publication of leaked cables. These cables exposed war crimes committed by the U.S. government, instances of torture and rendition, and the infamous “Collateral Murder” video showing the killing of civilians in Iraq.
Assange’s Brother Calls for Justice
Assange’s brother, Gabriel Shipton, expressed concern for Julian’s well-being, stating that this hearing is a crucial stage in his battle for justice. Shipton urged the Australian Prime Minister to intervene and bring his brother home.
Pressure to Drop Charges
Lawmakers in both the U.S. and Australia have called for the charges against Assange to be dropped. Press freedom groups argue that his prosecution sets a dangerous precedent that criminalizes journalism.
Years of Detention Taking a Toll
Assange has been held in London’s Belmarsh Prison since April 2019 for breaching bail conditions. His wife, Stella, highlighted the toll this has taken on his mental and physical health. His lawyers have also applied to the European Court of Human Rights to block his extradition.
Protests Planned
Supporters of Assange are planning mass protests at the court during the scheduled hearing dates. The announcement of the hearing has reignited the debate surrounding his case.
Continued Pursuit by U.S. Authorities
While the Obama administration chose not to indict Assange in 2013, citing concerns about the implications for press freedom, the Trump administration later brought charges under the Espionage Act. The Biden administration has continued to pursue Assange’s prosecution.