Assange's Lawyers Argue Against US Extradition, Citing Mental Health Concerns

Lawyers representing Julian Assange are fighting against his extradition from the United Kingdom to the United States, pointing to the WikiLeaks founder's extensive history of mental health issues and the potential risk of suicide if he is extradited. Assange, who is currently being held in a UK prison, faces charges in the US related to the publication of classified documents on WikiLeaks.

The legal team argues that Assange's fragile mental state makes him particularly vulnerable to the harsh conditions he would likely face in the US prison system. They contend that extraditing him under these circumstances would be inhumane and could lead to a tragic outcome. "We are talking about a person who has a long, documented history of clinical depression and has been diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome," said one of Assange's lawyers, stressing the gravity of his condition.

The US government has offered assurances regarding Assange's treatment if extradited, but some in the Australian legal, political, and diplomatic community remain troubled by the implications. They argue that the assurances suggest Assange, as a foreign national who acted abroad, would be "potentially very greatly prejudiced" in a US court and denied constitutional rights. The lack of mention of "long-settled" law in the assurances raises concerns about the fairness of the legal process Assange would face.

Why this matters: The case of Julian Assange has significant implications for press freedom and the treatment of whistleblowers who expose government secrets. The outcome of the extradition battle could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future, with potential consequences for journalists and activists around the world.

The Australian government has been notably quiet on the issue of US assurances, drawing criticism from Assange's supporters who believe more should be done to protect the rights of an Australian citizen. "The silence from the Australian government has been deafening," said Greg Barns, an Australian lawyer advocating for Assange. As the legal fight continues, the world watches closely to see how the UK courts will balance concerns for Assange's well-being with the US government's demand for extradition.

Key Takeaways

• Assange faces extradition from UK to US over WikiLeaks publications.
• Lawyers argue Assange's mental health issues make extradition inhumane.
• US assurances raise concerns about fairness of legal process for Assange.
• Case has implications for press freedom and whistleblower protections.
• Australian government criticized for silence on protecting Assange's rights.