US Should Withdraw Espionage Act Accusations Against Assange, Says Former Labour Leader Corbyn

Former UK Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn expressed optimism on Tuesday following a UK High Court ruling granting WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange the right to appeal his extradition to the US.

"The public pressure has had an enormous impact on this decision," Corbyn told Anadolu, calling on US supporters to mount a significant campaign aimed at President Joe Biden.

"Now looking to many friends in US to step up the mount the biggest campaign that possibly had in US, the pressure on President Biden to withdraw the whole process, withdraw the accusations under the Espionage Act against Julian Assange. Stand up for what the US Constitution stands up for, which is freedom of speech," he added.

He welcomed the decision as a "small step forward," emphasizing the significance of the appeal being granted albeit with conditions.

He highlighted the conditions imposed on the appeal, stressing the need for guarantees from the US.

"The conditions now go back to the USA: Guarantee no death penalty, ensure access to the First Amendment of the Constitution, and eliminate discrimination based on his nationality as an Australian," he said.

'We're not going away'

Acknowledging that the ruling doesn't directly secure Assange's freedom, Corbyn still noted the broader support the activist has garnered worldwide.

"And it is not the freedom of Julian Assange which is what we're looking for, it is a good result in the sense that millions of people around the world are showing their support for Julian and we've come out with a result today," he stressed.

Looking ahead, Corbyn emphasized the importance of continued advocacy, indicating a forthcoming campaign. "We can move on to our campaign, with the case likely returning to the same court on May 20th. We're not going away; we'll be here," he said.

Assange case

Assange, who has been detained in a UK prison since 2019, faces extradition over allegations of leaking classified military documents in 2010-2011.

The UK High Court, in a pivotal 2021 ruling, decreed that Assange should be extradited, dismissing assertions over his fragile mental state and the risks he might face in a US correctional facility.

Following suit, the Supreme Court in 2022 upheld the decision, while then-Home Secretary Priti Patel affirmed the extradition order, intensifying the legal battle.

In his latest bid for a reprieve, Assange is seeking authorization to scrutinize Patel's determination and challenge the initial 2021 court verdict.

A UK High Court ruling on Tuesday granted Assange the right to appeal his extradition to the US and set a new hearing date for the case in May before adjourning it.

In a partial victory for Assange, the UK High Court decided against his immediate extradition to the US, where he is wanted on espionage charges.

The judges said Assange could file a new appeal unless US authorities provide additional assurances about his treatment.

The trial has been adjourned until May 20. -