The second hearing of the case regarding the extradition of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, who was arrested on espionage charges for publishing a large number of secret documents regarding the crimes committed by the USA in Iraq and Afghanistan in 2010, from England to the USA, was held at the London High Court. Due to health problems, Assange did not attend the hearing today, as he did yesterday. While lawyers representing the USA argued that the request for Assange’s extradition was based on the rule of law and evidence, Assange’s defense team stated that the case was politically motivated and that Assange was targeted because he disclosed state-level crimes to the public. Judge Victoria Sharp stated that the decision would be made at a later date.
A group of protesters opposing Assange’s extradition to the United States marched from the London High Court to the British Prime Minister’s Office and chanted “Freedom for Assange.”