Assange Case: London Court to Determine Fate of WikiLeaks Founder

Court Hearing Scheduled for 20-21 December

The UK High Court has confirmed that a public hearing will take place on 20-21 December in connection with Julian Assange's fight to avoid facing spying charges in the United States.

Charges and Allegations

Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, is accused of conspiring with former US Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning to obtain classified information and releasing it to the public. The central allegation, which has not yet been tested in court, is that the CIA plotted to kill Assange during the Trump administration.

Legal Battle

Assange has fought extradition for the last five years from London's Belmarsh prison. In 2010, Swedish police issued an international arrest warrant for Assange on sexual assault charges. He surrendered in 2012 and spent several years in prison. The Swedish charges were eventually dropped, but British authorities continued to detain Assange on an extradition request from the US.

Two British judges will consider arguments from both the US and Assange's defense and make a decision on whether to extradite him. If extradited, Assange faces charges that could result in a prison sentence of up to 175 years.

Conclusion

The upcoming hearing is a crucial moment in the long-running legal battle surrounding Julian Assange. The outcome will have significant implications for the future of press freedom and the protection of whistleblowers. The judges' decision will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on all parties involved and raise questions about the boundaries of national security and the public's right to know.