Devendra Kumar
Stella Assange, the wife of Julian Assange, has expressed disappointment and frustration with the US government’s response to her husband’s extradition case. Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, faces prosecution in the US for allegedly conspiring to obtain and disclose national defense information, related to the Afghanistan and Iraq wars. However, his lawyers have been asking for the court’s go-ahead to challenge the judge’s dismissal of most of his case to prevent his extradition.
During a recent hearing, Assange’s lawyers requested that the court provide assurances regarding his treatment. In response, the US government issued a statement assuring that Assange would be protected by the First Amendment, which guarantees freedom of speech. However, Stella Assange points out that the prosecution had previously argued that Assange has no First Amendment rights because he is not a US citizen, a contradiction that has left her unconvinced by the US government’s promises.
Stella Assange is particularly concerned about the lack of clarity surrounding the death penalty. The US provided a diplomatic note regarding the death penalty, but she claims it contains “blatant weasel words” that do not alleviate her family’s distress about Assange’s future. The uncertainty and fear of what might happen to her husband are still grating on Stella Assange.
The case has taken a significant toll on Julian Assange’s mental and physical health. He has been facing isolation and solitary confinement for publishing award-winning journalism, and Stella Assange is worried about the long-term effects this could have on his well-being. She is grateful for the support of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who has been pressing for Assange’s release for several months.
The fate of Julian Assange remains uncertain, leaving his family and supporters with a sense of unease and anxiety about his future. The case will be heard again in May, where judges will consider the US authorities’ submission and any response from Assange’s lawyers. Until then, the uncertainty surrounding Assange’s treatment and potential punishment will continue to weigh heavily on his family and supporters.