Washington D.C, USA – Stella Assange, the wife of Julian Assange, made a heartfelt plea to US President Joe Biden on Monday, urging him to pardon her husband and bring an end to the long-standing legal battle. The appeal comes after the WikiLeaks founder’s unsuccessful attempt to halt the British government’s decision to extradite him to the United States.
Julian Assange, an Australian national, faces an extradition warrant from the US for his involvement in leaking classified military documents pertaining to the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. His supporters argue that Assange is a champion of freedom of expression, but if convicted, he could face several decades behind bars.
Speaking at the Geneva Press Club, Stella Assange emphasized that President Biden has the power to intervene and resolve the matter swiftly, according to Sydney Morning Herald. She noted that the extradition process appears to be expedited by the UK, raising concerns about Julian’s imminent transfer to the US. Stella Assange believes that such a development would present a significant challenge for the Biden administration, and she doubts it is in their best interest to pursue the case during an election period.
Julian Assange, aged 52, has been imprisoned in Belmarsh, a maximum-security facility in east London, for the past four years. His arrest in 2019 followed a seven-year period of seeking refuge inside the Ecuadorian embassy in London to avoid extradition to Sweden, where he faced allegations of sexual assault.
Stella Assange stressed that the “wise course of action” for President Biden would be to intervene and bring an end to the legal proceedings against her husband. She expressed her belief that the extradition case represents a legacy of the previous administration, under former President Donald Trump, and poses a significant threat to democracy and press freedom.
During her press conference, Stella Assange revealed that Julian’s health has been deteriorating, citing a “mild stroke” he suffered in 2021. She warned that his extradition could occur within weeks if urgent action is not taken.
The British government had initially approved Assange’s extradition in June 2022, prompting his appeal. Unfortunately, the appeal was rejected approximately a month ago. However, a new petition has been submitted for a review, offering a glimmer of hope. If granted, the case would proceed to a public hearing before two new Supreme Court justices. Alternatively, if the petition is denied, the European Court of Human Rights may be the final recourse to prevent Assange’s extradition.
As the fate of Julian Assange hangs in the balance, his wife’s appeal to President Biden amplifies the mounting pressure on the US administration to act. With the potential humanitarian concerns and the broader implications for press freedom, the decision regarding Assange’s future remains a crucial test for the current administration’s commitment to upholding democratic values.
