The Wikileaks founder has spent four years in a high-security prison without a conviction or a charge, fighting a prolonged extradition process. Meanwhile, his supporters have shown no signs of easing the struggle for his release.
by Anish R M, Peoples Dispatch
April 11 marks four years since Julian Assange was forcibly dragged out of the Ecuadorian embassy in London in 2019 and put under arrest. Ever since his imprisonment, the Wikileaks founder has spent much of his time in the high-security prison in Belmarsh under judicial remand, without any charges or conviction, fighting a prolonged extradition process.
The extradition request from the United States began under the administration of former president Donald Trump, and continues under the present Joe Biden administration. From recent revelations, it is understood that the US attempt to prosecute Assange has been going on since at least the Barack Obama administration.
Once extradited, Assange will face an indictment for charges that carry a total maximum prison sentence of 175 years. He faces 18 charges, 17 of them under the infamous Espionage Act, and is the first publisher or journalist to be indicted under the controversial law. The charges pertain to the release and publication of leaked classified documents that exposed war crimes in Afghanistan and Iraq, along with several other violations of international law, by the US.
Recent Posts
Congress Is Trying To Stop Automatic Flight Refunds
April 30, 2024
Take Action Now Days after the Biden administration announced a rule mandating flight cancelation automatic refunds, four lawmakers overseeing…
Lessons From Starbucks Workers United And The Fight For $15
April 30, 2024
Take Action Now The National Labor Relations Act still functions, just barely, for Starbucks workers. Employees at fast-food franchises face even…
Israel’s Anti-UNRWA Campaign Falls Flat
April 30, 2024
Take Action Now Despite refusing to furnish any solid evidence, Israel was already preparing the ground for refusal and refutation ahead of the…
Gaza Freedom Flotilla: Activists Blocked From Sailing To Gaza But Vow To Keep Trying To Break Siege
April 30, 2024
Take Action Now “We are determined to stop this by direct action” where international governments “have sadly failed,” says one of the organizers of…