Assange vs the US

Julian Assange has been a hot commodity since allegations against him in 2010 in which the United States accused him of publishing sensitive Pentagon data on his Wikileaks website. Former US soldier Chelsea Manning provided top secret information to Assange, who had been hiding in the Ecuadorian embassy in London since 2012. While Manning went to prison in 2010, Assange has been caught only now and remains in custody until charges are announced. Despite mounting international pressure, we can expect that it will not be long until Assange is quite possibly extradited to the US sentenced there.

Assange’s story has attracted international attention as his Wikileaks website has avidly been tracked by governments and civilians globally. Sweden, the UK, the US and Ecuador have direct claims to charges dealing with Assange. However, since the US will most likely claim the largest portion of damage and offence caused by Assange, we see the possibility of Assange’s extradition. Ecuador, in its deal with the British government, ensured Assange would not be executed. While the death penalty is ruled out– despite considered for Manning in the past — it is probable that Assange will face life in prison along with a long series of fines.

The world is watching, especially to see the United States’ reaction with President Donald Trump, who has a dark and dubious history of his own, at the helm. Suspense is particularly high because the US has been a champion of human rights, freedom of speech and information, and transparency. Assange’s work shed light on some of the US and other governments’ darker moments in history. How the US handles the matter will set a new precedence. It will be sure to change opinions and the reputation of America.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 14^th, 2019.

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