Wikileaks founder Julian Assange is fighting to avoid extradition from Britain to the United States and may soon face a decision after years of legal battles. The High Court in London is currently reviewing whether Assange can appeal his extradition within the British court system. A decision is expected to be made in the coming weeks or months.
The U.S. prosecutors want Assange to stand trial for violating the Espionage Act by obtaining classified documents related to the U.S. wars in Iraq and Afghanistan in 2010. If convicted, he could face up to 175 years in prison.
In the event that he loses, Assange’s lawyers may attempt to take his case to the European Court of Human Rights. Assange’s wife Stella expressed concern, stating that the conditions he faces if extradited would be very harsh.
As of now, Britain is only acting as a jailer for the Americans, holding Assange in London’s maximum security prison, Belmarsh.
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