Julian Assange can be extradited to the US, court rules (bbc.com)

Article summary

The UK High Court has ruled that Julian Assange can be extradited to the US, overturning a previous decision that he could not be extradited due to concerns over his mental health. The US provided assurances that Assange would not be held in solitary confinement and would be allowed to serve his sentence in Australia if convicted. Assange's lawyers argued that these assurances were meaningless and vague. The case will now return to Westminster Magistrates' Court for a district judge to formally send it to the Home Secretary.

Main themes

• Julian Assange extradition
• press freedom
• US-UK relations
• whistleblower protection
• mental health and solitary confinement
• global jurisdiction and enforcement

What commenters say

• The US government's assurances about Assange's treatment are not credible and should not be trusted.
• The extradition process is politically motivated and an attack on press freedom.
• Assange's actions were justified as he was exposing US war crimes and abuses.
• The UK's extradition treaty with the US is one-sided and favors the US government's interests.
• Assange will likely face a biased trial and may not receive a fair hearing.
• The case has implications for global press freedom and the ability of journalists to publish sensitive information without fear of persecution.
• The US government's handling of the case is hypocritical given its stated support for independent journalism and press freedom.
• Assange's extradition and potential conviction would set a dangerous precedent for journalists and whistleblowers around the world.