Julian Assange wins right to appeal U.S. extradition
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has won the right to appeal against his extradition to the United States, where he faces charges under the Espionage Act. The decision was made by London's High Court after Assange's legal team contended that he may not be able to depend on his right to free speech in a U.S. court. Previous court proceedings had offered provisional permission for the appeal based on potential discrimination against Assange as a foreign national, with the U.S. asked to provide reassurances. During the hearing, U.S. prosecutors stated Assange could seek First Amendment protections granted to U.S. citizens. However, two judges decided that Assange's arguments warranted a full appeal, which is expected to take several months. Outside the court, hundreds of protesters showed their support, while Assange's wife, Stella, expressed relief and called for the U.S. to drop the case. Assange, who is wanted on 18 charges related to the release of classified U.S. documents, was absent from the court due to health reasons. U.S. Justice Department representatives withheld comments on the ongoing judicial matter.