Special briefing on Julian Assange's case

The final chance for MEAA member Julian Assange to avoid extradition to the United States on espionage charges is approaching with a two-day hearing in the UK High Court beginning on February 20, or “Day X”.

Two High Court justices will hear arguments for why a further appeal should be allowed against a previous decision in favour of extradition of the Wikileaks founder.

MEAA is hosting a special briefing for members about Assange’s case this Friday, with Stella Assange, Wikileaks editor-in-chief, Kristin Hrafnsson, and Rebecca Vincent, director of campaigns at Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

Assange faces up to 175 years in jail if tried and convicted on 18 counts, including one of spying, related to a series of Wikileaks publications in 2010 which revealed war crimes by US troops in Iraq.

He would be the first publisher convicted under the US Espionage Act, setting a dangerous precedent for journalism and for press freedom around the world.