Human rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Argentinian Adolfo Pérez Esquivel, called on all media and journalists to speak out and demand the release of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange.
In a letter released by Argentina’s Peace and Justice Service (SERPAJ) social organization following the court order for Assange’s extradition to the United States, Pérez reiterated that the British judiciary’s decision “is a death sentence for defending press freedom leads”. .
Pérez pointed out that Assange “with civil courage” published documents from the United States that showed violations of “human and international rights”.
“Permitting Julian’s extradition is a threat to press freedom and a serious warning to those who question the United States’ repressive policies and gross violations of human and international rights,” he said.
The Argentine activist, in turn, pointed out that “Julian Assange is a victim of the US’s repressive policies because he defends freedom of the press” and voiced his opposition to “the decision of the British judicial system”.
See also: British court issues formal extradition order for Julian Assange
Westminster Magistrates Court Chief Justice Paul Goldspring on Tuesday approved the extradition of the WikiLeaks founder to the United States.
The final decision on the extradition will be taken by UK Home Secretary Priti Patel next month, although Assange can appeal to the High Court if the order is approved.
If extradited, Assange would face 18 charges of “hacking” US government computers and violating US espionage laws. This could result in a prison sentence of 175 years.
The 50-year-old journalist was expelled from the Ecuadorian embassy in London in 2019, where he had sought refuge for more than seven years.
British police arrested him for breaching his bail conditions in 2012 and on behalf of the US due to the extradition process.
*Translated by Daniel Gallego.
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