During the first hearing in what’s expected to be a protracted legal battle over the US’s extradition request, Wikileaks’ founder Julian Assange told a British judge that he wished to fight extradition, and the hearing was concluded with the next court date set for May 30.
Assange, whom the US has charged with conspiring with Chelsea Manning to break into a government computer, a charge that carries a maximum prison term of 5.5 years, appeared on screen wearing a sports jacket. He wasn’t handcuffed. And when asked if he would consent to surrender to the US, he replied that he did not wish to do so, according to CNN.
Assange, speaking from Belmarsh prison, was wearing a sports jacket and was not handcuffed.
Asked by Judge Michael Snow if he wished to consent to surrender himself for extradition, Assange said: “I do not wish to surrender myself for extradition for doing journalism that’s won many, many awards and affected many people.”
His appearance came a day after another judge slapped him with a 50-week sentence for skipping bail back in 2012.
As we previewed last night, Wikileaks editor-in-chief Kristinn Hrafnsson said Wednesday that the extradition process is where ‘the real battle begins’ for Assange.
Speaking to CNN after Assange’s bail violation sentencing on Wednesday, WikiLeaks’ Editor-in-Chief Kristinn Hrafnsson said he was “shocked and appalled by this decision to sentence Julian to two weeks short of the maximum sentence for not showing up in court.”
He added that the US extradition claim is “where the real battle begins.”
Assange’s legal team has yet to publicize its defense strategy, but most expect them to argue that the request is politically motivated. Meanwhile, Hrafnsson declared that it’s Wikileaks’ view that the charges cited by the US in the extradition request are merely a ruse, and that Assange will be charged with violating the 1970 Espionage Act once he’s safely on American soil – a charge that could carry the death penalt.
“Everything in this case seems to indicate that what is being established is a violation of the espionage act of 1970 which carries the death penalty,” Hrafnsson explained. “Although the extradition is based on a lower level of offenses, we think that is basically a snaring strategy to get him to United States where additional charges will be added.”
As CNN explained, to extradite Assange, a court must agree that his alleged violations would also constitute criminal conduct in the UK. Afterward, the UK’s home secretary would still have final say on whether Assange is handed over.
Extradition requests to the UK from outside the European Union are governed by Part 2 of the Extradition Act 2003. When reviewing the US extradition claim, it will not be for the UK courts to determine culpability. A judge only determines whether the US request satisfies the “dual criminality” legal requirement – meaning that the alleged crime is illegal in both countries. The judge would also consider if granting extradition would breach his human rights.
If satisfied that the claim meets procedural conditions, the case would be sent to the British home secretary for a final decision on ordering the extradition.
Protesters gathered outside the courthouse before the hearing (during which Assange participated by video link; he was being held in a high-security prison).
Supporters of WikiLeaks founder Julian #Assange protesting outside Westminster Magistrates Court at US extradition hearing: “US, UK – Hands off Assange!” pic.twitter.com/x0Ros0OuCs
— Socialist Equality Party (Britain) (@SEP_Britain) May 2, 2019
And crowds waited to hear from Assange’s lawyers after the hearing had concluded. Some even blocked a nearby road in a gesture of protest.
Outside the court waiting for Assange legal team to speak. Extradition matter back in court again May 30. pic.twitter.com/9oypAJs3MY
— Samantha Hawley (@samanthahawley) May 2, 2019
via ZeroHedge News http://bit.ly/2J0ijEr Tyler Durden