Julian Assange Scores Temporary Victory in Fight Against Extradition to the U.S.

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange was handed a boost in his yearslong legal battle on Tuesday as a British court ruled that he will not be extradited to the U.S. immediately.

London’s High Court judgment found the Australian journalist “has a real prospect of success” in three of his grounds for appeal against a 2022 decision from the U.K. government allowing his extradition to face espionage charges. But before a decision is taken on whether he can launch a full appeal, the court has asked for specific assurances from the U.S. about what could happen to Assange. If the assurances aren’t filed, his leave to appeal will be granted automatically.

WikiLeaks Founder Julian Assange Too Sick to Attend Extradition Hearing

“Mr. Assange will not, therefore, be extradited immediately,” the court said. The U.S. government has been given three weeks to make assurances that Assange will be allowed to “rely on the First Amendment” protecting free speech, that he won’t be prejudiced at trial on the grounds of his nationality, that he’ll receive the same First Amendment rights as an American citizen, and that he will not face the death penalty.