Julian Assange

Thank you for contacting me about Julian Assange.

I am aware that in a hearing at Westminster Magistrates Court, the judge who oversees extradition requests has authorised the case to be sent to the Home Secretary for her final decision. This follows a Supreme Court ruling last month that Mr. Assange's case raised no legal questions over assurances the US had given the UK over how he is likely to be treated. The Home Secretary must now decide whether the US' request for Mr. Assange meets the remaining legal tests. 

As you may be aware, in 2019, the Home Secretary signed an extradition warrant, following a request by the US Department of Justice. In making this decision, the then Home Secretary had limitations on what could be considered, in line with the Crime and Courts Act 2013; judgments on human rights or health issues can only be made in court. As you would expect, the Home Secretary will give due regard to the court's rulings in Mr. Assange's case. 

Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.