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Julian Assange wins temporary reprieve from extradition to US LONDON, March 26 (Reuters) - WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange's extradition to the United States from Britain was put on hold on Tuesday after London's High Court said the U.S. must provide assurances he would not face the death penalty. U.S. prosecutors are seeking to put Assange, 52, on trial on 18 counts, all bar one under the Espionage Act, over WikiLeaks' high-profile release of confidential U.S. military records and diplomatic cables. #FreeAssange https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/julian-assange-hear-result-crucial-ruling-us-extradition-2024-03-26/

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The judges said Assange had pointed to a comment by former U.S. President Donald Trump who said in 2010, when discussing WikiLeaks, that "I think there should be like a death penalty or something". His case was at least arguable, the ruling said, citing "the calls for the imposition of the death penalty by leading politicians and other public figures". If the U.S. assurances were not forthcoming by April 16, then Assange would be granted permission to appeal, the judgment said. A further hearing has been scheduled for May 20, meaning his extradition - which his campaign team said could have been imminent depending on the ruling - has been put on hold. #FreeAssange