Julian Assange secures permission to appeal

Edward Fitzgerald KC, with Mark Summers KC and Florence Iveson of Matrix Chambers, secured permission on behalf of Wikileaks founder Julian Assange to appeal his extradition to the United States.

Lady Justice Sharp and Mr Justice Johnson granted leave on the grounds that Mr Assange could face prejudice on the basis of his nationality if tried in the US, contrary to Section 81(b) of the Extradition Act 2003, and that extradition could breach his right to free speech under Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights. The fact that Mr Assange has now got permission to appeal means that there will be a full substantive hearing on the merits before the High Court. It also means that he will have the right to seek a certificate and leave to appeal to the Supreme Court. Had permission not been granted, the Home Secretary would have had the power to extradite Mr Assange within 14 days.

Edward Fitzgerald KC was instructed by Birnberg Peirce Solicitors. 

Media coverage includes: Rozenberg, BBC, The Guardian.