Julian Assange: US extradition request rejected by UK judge

Julian Assange: US extradition request rejected by UK judge

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The 49-year-old Australian was charged in the United States under the Espionage Act for his role in publishing classified military and diplomatic cables.

“I decided that extradition would be oppressive and I order his dismissal,” said judge Vanessa Baraitser in her decision on Monday.

Despite the decision that Assange would have a “fair trial” in the event of extradition to the United States, the judge considered that the “special administrative measures” that Assange would likely be arrested would have a serious negative impact on his mental health.

In his full sentence, published online, Baraitser wrote: “I accept that oppression as an obstacle to extradition requires a high limit … However, I am convinced that, under these adverse conditions, Mr. Assange’s mental health would deteriorate, causing him to commit suicide with the ‘obstinate determination’ of his autism spectrum disorder. “

“I think Mr. Assange’s mental condition is such that it would be oppressive to extradite him to the United States of America,” she added.

The United States has said it will appeal the decision.

This is a last-minute story, more to follow.

Vasco Cotovio, from CNN, contributed to this report.

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