Julian Assange extradition case

SOURCE www.nbcnews.com
A British court will decide on Julian Assange's extradition to the U.S. for the WikiLeaks' mass leak of secret U.S. documents. His legal team is uncertain about the outcome, with possibilities ranging from extradition to freedom.

Key Points

  • 13 years of legal battles and detentions
  • Assurances on no death penalty and First Amendment rights
  • WikiLeaks' release of classified documents
  • Supporters view prosecution as an assault on journalism and free speech

Pros

  • Assange may be extradited to the U.S. for trial
  • He could rely on the First Amendment right to free speech if faced with a U.S. trial for spying

Cons

  • Risk of facing the death penalty in the U.S.
  • Potential long legal battles ahead