One of the reasons that WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and his legal team are fighting his extradition to Sweden, where he stands accused of sexual misconduct, is that he is concerned about winding up in the U.S., or at Guantanamo Bay, and facing much more severe forms of punishment, according to The New York Times.

The New York Times:

In a 35-page outline of their case against extradition, released on the WikiLeaks Web site, Mr. Assange’s lawyers said: “It is submitted that there is a real risk that, if extradited to Sweden, the United States will seek his extradition and/or illegal rendition to the U.S.A., where there will be a real risk of him being detained at Guantánamo Bay or elsewhere.”

The document also cited statements by senior American politicians calling for the execution of those who leaked the State Department documents as proof that he could face the death penalty.

“Indeed, if Mr. Assange were rendered to the U.S.A. without assurances that the death penalty would not be carried out, there is a real risk that he could be made subject to the death penalty.”

Read more

Your support matters…

Independent journalism is under threat and overshadowed by heavily funded mainstream media.

You can help level the playing field. Become a member.

Your tax-deductible contribution keeps us digging beneath the headlines to give you thought-provoking, investigative reporting and analysis that unearths what's really happening- without compromise.

Give today to support our courageous, independent journalists.

SUPPORT TRUTHDIG