US authorities are pressing for the extradition of a 52-year-old activist for publishing leaked government documents. The United States believes that Assange's life is in danger. A lawyer in London argued that whistleblowing site WikiLeaks obtained the documents by encouraging people to steal them. So Assange “should not be seen as an ordinary journalist and WikiLeaks as an ordinary publisher.”
Assange did not appear in court on Wednesday due to health reasons
Supporters see Assange as a hero for exposing serious abuses. The family is also worried about his health. Assange has spent years in detention and trying to avoid extradition through the courts. He has now almost exhausted his appeal options. Wednesday is the second and final day of his appeal at the High Court in London.
If Assange wins the case, he could try again to fight his extradition. If he loses, his lawyers may go to the European Court of Human Rights. The activist was not present in court on Wednesday due to health reasons. According to his wife and lawyers, he did not watch the trial via video link that could have determined his fate.
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