London court OKs Assange extradition to US

KABUL (Pajhwok): A British court has formally approved the extradition of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to the US, reports a Russian media outlet.

Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring of London’s Westminster Court announced the decision at a brief hearing on Wednesday, TASS said.

UK Home Secretary Priti Patel will now deal with the case against Assange, who could be jailed for 175 years in the US on charges of leaking classified information.

However, the WikiLeaks founder’s defence team still has an opportunity to file an appeal with the High Court.

“I am duty-bound to send your case to the secretary of state for a decision on whether or not you should be extradited,” the judge told Assange.

The judge told the accused, who watched the hearing through video link from Belmarsh Prison, “you have the right to appeal to the High Court.”

PAN Monitor/mud

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