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Today marks five years since Julian Assange was detained at Belmarsh, a maximum security prison in the UK. Amnesty International Secretary-General Agnès Callamard, fighting extradition requests from US authorities, said:
“Julian Assange dared to expose alleged war crimes committed by the United States. It is unacceptable that years of his life were stolen. He continues to be arbitrarily detained in the UK on politically motivated charges. US authorities have failed to conduct full and transparent investigations into alleged war crimes. Even if they had, they chose to target Assange for publishing the information they leaked to Assange. The ongoing persecution of Assange is a violation of America’s obligations under international law and freedom of expression. It makes a mockery of the United States’ commitment to
The ongoing persecution of Assange makes a mockery of America’s obligations under international law and its commitment to freedom of expression.
Agnès Callamard, Secretary General of Amnesty International
“If extradited to the United States, Assange would be at risk of severe ill-treatment, including prolonged solitary confinement, which would violate the prohibition against torture and other ill-treatment. Questionable diplomatic guarantees are not worth the paper they are written on, especially since they are not legally binding and riddled with loopholes.
The United States must drop all charges against Assange, which would result in his immediate release from British state custody.
Agnes Callamard
“Mr. Assange is wanted for activities that are fundamental to all journalists and publishers who often receive sensitive government information from outside sources. Published. Citizens have a right to know whether their government violates international law. U.S. authorities say extradition of Assange would set a disastrous precedent for press freedom worldwide. The United States must drop all charges against Assange, and he will be promptly released from British state custody.”
background
Julian Assange could be prosecuted in the United States under the Espionage Act of 1917, but the wartime law was never intended to target the legitimate activities of publishers and journalists. Ta. He could face up to 175 years in prison. The crime of computer misuse could carry up to five years in prison.
On March 26, the British High Court adjourned to give the United States an opportunity to submit new diplomatic guarantees. A British court will review permission to appeal Julian Assange’s extradition to the United States on May 20, 2024.
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