The Julian Assange Extradition: Free-Press Hero or Enemy Agent?

The US seeks the extradition of Julian Assange for eighteen offences relating to the obtaining and publication of sensitive intelligence. On 26 March, the UK High Court gave the US three weeks to provide diplomatic assurances, thus granting Assange temporary reprieve. If the US fails to do so, then Assange will have leave to appeal with a subsequent appeal hearing. Inversely, there will be a further hearing on 20 May to determine if such assurances satisfy the UK’s demands.

Key Judgement 1. It is unlikely that the Biden Administration will provide satisfactory assurances to the UK’s High Court to secure Assange’s extradition.

Key Judgement 2. It is highly likely that Assange’s legal team will reapply to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) after exhausting all possible UK recourses, particularly if the UK High Court refuses leave to appeal.

Key Judgement 3. The judicial targeting of Julian Assange will likely undermine public confidence in the Five Eyes’ ability to safeguard civil liberties, not least raise concerns over mass surveillance programmes and hostile monitoring.