Julian Assange Fears US Extradition

Born in Australia, Julian Assange is the controversial founder of WikiLeaks, an international non-profit that publishes secret documents online.

Assange is dedicated to the freedom of information, though he has been called a terrorist by members of the United States government.

By exposing classified documents, the United States government sees Assange as both a threat to international diplomacy and as someone who is working to compromise national security. Others see him as a hero and many of his fellow journalists have condemned the U.S. for their attacks on Assange and their use of political pressure against the site’s maintenance.

Assange is currently being held in custody in Sweden. Two women have accused Assange of rape, but he holds that the sex was consensual. Prosecutors have found insufficient evidence to conclude that rape did indeed occur, but they have kept the investigation open by bringing up a case of molestation.

Assange willingly turned himself in and continues to maintain his innocence. He is supported by an impressive defense team, including renowned human rights lawyer Geoffrey Robertson.

Assange sees his arrest as a move by the U.K. to influence political opinion. He further stated that he fears getting whacked “Jack Ruby-style” should he be extradited to the United States. His extradition hearing is set for January 11 of next year.

Category: Australia news