The good news is that Julian Assange is not to be extradited to the USA and seems likely to be freed soon. The bad news is that magistrate Baraitser appears to have conceded some highly dangerous principles in favour of the US:
'The judgement is in fact very concerning, in that it accepted all of the prosecution’s case on the right of the US Government to prosecute publishers worldwide of US official secrets under the Espionage Act. The judge also stated specifically that the UK Extradition Act of 2003 deliberately permits extradition for political offences.'
It's certainly delighted the Americans:
'While we are extremely disappointed in the court's ultimate decision, we are gratified that the United States prevailed on every point of law raised,' the [US] justice department said.
Would these rights (re alleged political offences) also extend to the European Union?* China?**
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*as per the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement reached on 24 December 2020: 'surrender and replacement arrangements for the European Arrest Warrant'
**Bilateral UK Extradition Agreements - Hong Kong; Bilateral UK MLA Agreements - China
2 comments:
"Would these rights also extend to the European Union? China?"
Good point. Could be global eventually. Step by step maybe, but that's how these things happen.
Looks as though they might - see my revisions below the line, in the post.
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