London's High Court granted WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange permission to appeal his extradition to the United States. Assange, an Australian-born journalist, argued that he might not receive fair treatment and protection of his free speech rights in a US trial.
Two judges at the High Court allowed Assange to pursue a full appeal, considering his argument that he could face discrimination as a foreign national. The decision followed years of legal battles and was a pivotal moment in Assange's case.
Outside the court, hundreds of protesters gathered, awaiting the ruling. The news of the court's decision was met with cheers and singing from Assange's supporters. His legal team had warned that if he lost the appeal, he could be extradited to the US within 24 hours.
Assange's lawyer, Edward Fitzgerald, argued that the assurances provided by US prosecutors regarding Assange's rights under the First Amendment were inadequate. While the US promised not to seek the death penalty, Assange's legal team contended that the assurance regarding free speech protections was insufficient.
The US authorities, however, insisted that their assurance regarding Assange's First Amendment rights was satisfactory and that he would not face discrimination based on his nationality in any US trial.
Following the court's decision to allow the appeal, Assange's legal team expressed optimism. Fitzgerald noted that the appeal process could take months before being heard.
