WikiLeaks Founder Julian Assange Denied Permission to Appeal Extradition

The UK's Supreme Court says the bid did not "raise an arguable point of law."

Macy Meyer Writer II

Macy is a writer on the AI Team. She covers how AI is changing daily life and how to make the most of it. This includes writing about consumer AI products and their real-world impact, from breakthrough tools reshaping daily life to the intimate ways people interact with AI technology day-to-day. Macy is a North Carolina native who graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill with a BA in English and a second BA in Journalism. You can reach her at mmeyer@cnet.com.

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Macy Meyer

March 14, 2022 11:51 a.m. PT

Julian Assange is facing espionage charges and an 18-count indictment.
Carl Court/Getty Images

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange's attempt to appeal extradition was denied by the UK's Supreme Court on Monday. Assange was initially granted the right to petition the court in late January.

The UK's highest court denied Assange's bid because "the application does not raise an arguable point of law," according to a statement released by the court.

Assange faces espionage charges relating to WikiLeaks' release of confidential US military records about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Assange could potentially face a 175-year jail sentence, though US officials said, if he's convicted, his sentence would likely be between four and six years.

Interior Minister Priti Patel must now ratify the extradition decision, which Assange can then challenge via judicial review, according to Reuters.

"Mr. Assange will continue the legal process fighting his extradition to the United States to face criminal charges for publishing truthful and newsworthy information," Barry Pollack, Assange's US-based lawyer, said Monday.