Julian Assange's fate in the balance as UK court prepares to rule on US extradition

A British court will decide on Monday if Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, should be sent to the United States for leaking secret documents. This decision comes after 13 years of legal battles and detentions. Two judges at the High Court in London will determine if the US promises that Assange won't face the death penalty and can use free speech rights are enough. If the court approves extradition, Assange could be on a plane to the US within 24 hours, released from jail, or face more legal battles. Assange's legal team believes anything could happen at this stage. His wife, Stella, mentioned that he could be extradited or set free. In 2010, WikiLeaks released a video showing a US helicopter attack in Baghdad that killed several people, including journalists. Since then, Assange has faced various forms of detention. If the High Court allows extradition, his legal options in the UK will be exhausted, and his lawyers will turn to the European Court of Human Rights for help. On the other hand, if the judges reject the US submissions, Assange can appeal his case on three grounds. This process might take until next year. The court could also decide to consider the substance of the appeal during Monday's hearing. Stella Assange highlighted that if extradited, Julian is at a high risk of suicide. She expressed that their family has been living day by day, waiting for decisions for years. Assange's legal battle has been ongoing for over a decade, and it may conclude on Monday with the High Court hearing in London. The outcome will determine if he will be extradited to the US to face espionage charges or get another chance to appeal. The decision will be based on the assurances provided by US officials regarding Assange's rights during the trial. WikiLeaks published files exposing war crimes, and Assange's wife emphasized that reporting a crime should not be considered a crime. Assange sought asylum in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London in 2012 to avoid extradition to Sweden for a rape investigation. His lawyers raised several grounds for appeal, including the claim that his prosecution is politically motivated. The court accepted some arguments and ruled that Assange could appeal to the Court of Appeal if the US guaranteed his rights. Assange is hopeful and encouraged by the support he has received in his fight for freedom.