Priti Patel signed an order today to extradite Julian Assange to the United States, where he would face espionage charges and a possible sentence of 175 years in prison.
The order given by Westminster Magistrates’ Court to fly Wikileaks founder Julian Assange to America for prosecution has been rubber-stamped by the Home Secretary.
Assange, who is being jailed in south-east London’s Belmarsh Prison, has 14 days to file an appeal. Wikileaks has already said that they will do so.
‘Under the Extradition Act 2003, the Secretary of State must sign an extradition order if there are no reasons to prevent the order being made,’ a Home Office spokeswoman said. Extradition requests are only made to the Home Secretary once a court determines that the case may move forward after examining numerous factors.
‘Mr Julian Assange’s extradition to the United States was ordered on June 17th, following deliberation by both the Magistrates Court and the High Court. Mr. Assange maintains his right to appeal for a period of 14 days.
‘In this instance, the UK courts have not determined that extraditing Mr Assange would be repressive, unfair, or an abuse of process.’
‘Neither have they determined that extradition would be incompatible with his human rights, such as his right to a fair trial and freedom of expression, or that he would be treated adequately in the United States, especially in terms of his health.’