British interior minister Priti Patel on Friday approved the extradition of WikiLeaks' founder Julian Assange to the United States to face criminal charges, bringing his long-running legal saga closer to a conclusion.<\/p>\n
Assange is wanted by US authorities on 18 counts, including a spying charge, relating to WikiLeaks' release of vast troves of confidential US military records and diplomatic cables which Washington said had put lives in danger.<\/p>\n
His supporters say he is an anti-establishment hero who has been victimised because he exposed US wrongdoing in conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, and that his prosecution is a politically-motivated assault on journalism and free speech.<\/p>\n
The Home Office said his extradition had now been approved but he could still appeal the decision. WikiLeaks said he would.<\/p>\n
\"In this case, the UK courts have not found that it would be oppressive, unjust or an abuse of process to extradite Mr Assange,\" the Home Office said in a statement, adding:<\/p>\n
Nor have they found that extradition would be incompatible with his human rights, including his right to a fair trial and to freedom of expression, and that whilst in the US he will be treated appropriately, including in relation to his health.<\/p>\n
Originally, a British judge ruled that Assange should not be deported, saying his mental health problems meant he would be at risk of suicide if convicted and held in a maximum security prison.<\/p>\n
But this was overturned on an appeal after the United States gave a package of assurances, including a pledge he could be transferred to Australia to serve any sentence.<\/p>\n
Patel's decision does not mean the end of Australian-born Assange's legal battle which has been going on for more than a decade.<\/p>\n
He can launch an appeal at London's High Court which must give its approval for a challenge to proceed. He can ultimately seek to take his case to the United Kingdom Supreme Court. But if an appeal is refused, Assange must be extradited within 28 days.<\/p>\n
\"This is a dark day for press freedom and for British democracy,\" Assange's wife Stella said. \"Today is not the end of the fight. It is only the beginning of a new legal battle.\"<\/p>\n
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