Julian Assange, the founder of Wikileaks, has been granted the right to bring a new appeal against his extradition to the United States, according to a High Court ruling.
Assange has received permission to contest the order mandating his transfer to the US, where he faces charges for leaking military secrets—actions that prosecutors claim put lives at risk.
This ruling allows Assange to challenge the US’s assurances regarding the conduct of his potential trial and whether his freedom of speech will be protected.
Following the court’s decision, Assange’s legal team celebrated with hugs.
Earlier in the day, his wife Stella Assange described the moment as a “decisive” day in the long-standing legal struggle.
Assange’s lawyers have consistently argued that the charges against him are politically motivated.
In their brief ruling this morning, two senior judges authorized Assange to appeal against the previous order, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive appeal in the UK.
Currently held in Belmarsh Prison, Assange will now have several months to prepare his appeal, focusing on whether the US courts will uphold his right to free speech as an Australian citizen.
He maintains that his 2010 disclosures exposed war crimes committed by the US.
This latest development is seen by his supporters as a significant victory, providing a crucial opportunity to challenge the extradition on grounds that could set important legal precedents. Many human rights advocates argue that the case has far-reaching implications for press freedom and the protection of whistleblowers worldwide, intensifying the debate over government transparency and accountability.
