Julian Assange of WikiLeaks Loses Final Appeal against Extradition

Julian Assange, the rogue information activist hailed as a hero by people for freedom of information and as a traitor by governments across the world lost his final appeal against extradition to Sweden on charges of rape and molestation. The Wikileaks founder did not turn up at the hearing and the 10-minute judgment was passed in absence of his person. While dozens of his supporters stood waving placards outside the U.K. Supreme Court, his appeal against extradition was rejected.

Judge Nicholas Phillips told the court that it “was not an easy decision to make.” Considering the amount of international pressure from corrupted governments across the world, and by governments hurt by the actions of Wikileaks, the decision could hardly have been otherwise, of course.

Assange’s actions have been held as irresponsible by most state authorities, while people who believe in the right to know had continued to support him. His finances had been cut off and donations failed to reach him because payment gateways refused to process them.

Rape and molestation charges against him surfaced in Sweden soon after he leaked some sensitive papers concerning torture on Iraqi civilians.

Assange’s lawyer, Dinah Rose, has been given two weeks to consider the judgment and the permission to reopen the case on a legal point. However, the principal argument to prevent extradition, that the Swedish prosecutor who issued the warrant lacked jurisdiction has been resolved and the warrant has been held to have been issued validly.

Assange is presently on house arrest in eastern England, staying at the mansion of a supporter. The Australian-born activist denies all charges against him and fears that if he can be extradited to Sweden, then he can be extradited to U.S. where he would be charged for leaking government secrets.