Julian Assange loses right to appeal US extradition
The NUJ has renewed its call for UK government intervention in Assange's case.
The UK Supreme Court's decision to deny Julian Assange the right to appeal his extradition to the US, is a new blow to free expression. Commenting on the ruling, Michelle Stanistreet, NUJ general secretary said:
“The legal shortcomings in the case to extradite Julian Assange are clear, as are the risks to free speech from this attempted prosecution. This comes against a backdrop of legal threats to reporting among them the production order sought against Chris Mullin, proposed reforms of the Official Secrets Act and plans to scrap the Human Rights Act.
“The Home Secretary should call a halt to this extradition attempt and affirm the government’s support for a free media.”
The Wikileaks founder is facing several charges including those under the Espionage Act for leaking classified information over a decade ago. The NUJ has repeatedly highlighted wider risks to journalism if efforts to extradite him are successful, and will continue its calls for Julian Assange to be released.