US authorities are pressing for the extradition of the 52-year-old activist for his publication of leaked government documents. The US believes that Assange has endangered lives by doing so. A lawyer argued in London that whistleblowing site WikiLeaks obtained documents by encouraging people to steal them. Assange should therefore “not be seen as a normal journalist and WikiLeaks not as a normal publisher.”
Assange was not present at the court on Wednesday for health reasons
Supporters see Assange as a hero who has exposed serious abuses. His family is also very concerned about his health. Assange has been in custody for years and is trying to avoid extradition through the courts. He has now almost exhausted his appeal options. Wednesday was the second and final day of his appeal before the High Court of Justice in London.
If Assange wins the case, he can try again to fight his extradition. If he loses, his lawyers can still go to the European Court of Human Rights. The activist was not present at the court on Wednesday for health reasons. According to his wife and lawyers, he did not watch the hearing via video link where his fate could be decided.
It is still unclear when the judges will make their ruling.