Wikileaks Founder in Last-Ditch Bid To Avoid US Extradition

An anonymous reader shares a report: Lawyers for Julian Assange have launched what could be his final bid to avoid extradition to the US to face trial over leaking military secrets. The two-day hearing at the High Court in London is hearing his team argue he should be allowed a full appeal. Edward Fitzgerald KC told the court his client was being prosecuted 'for engaging in ordinary journalistic practice.' If an appeal is turned down, Mr Assange could be handed over within weeks.

Supporters of the Wikileaks founder say he exposed wrongdoing, but the US says Mr Assange put lives at risk. The case is being heard by two judges, Dame Victoria Sharp and Mr Justice Johnson. As the hearing got under way, Mr Fitzgerald told them his client was 'being prosecuted for engaging in ordinary journalistic practice of obtaining and publishing classified information, information that is both true and of obvious and important public interest.' He also confirmed that Mr Assange would not be attending court as he is unwell. Some supporters of Assange started gathering outside court hours ahead of Tuesday's hearing, waving placards featuring the words 'Drop the charges.'

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