03:45A rally in support of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange commenced outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London on Wednesday, coinciding with ongoing extradition hearings.
Despite the rain, hundreds of protesters gathered, holding banners advocating for press freedom and chanting slogans demanding Assange's freedom. Among them was former Labour Party Leader Jeremy Corbyn, who voiced concerns about the potential ramifications of Assange's trial under the Espionage Act.
"If Julian ends up being tried under the Espionage Act, then any other journalist anywhere in the world could be tried under the Espionage Act for revealing truths about what US power is about," Corbyn emphasised.
Criticism was also directed at UK officials for their perceived failure to uphold their oath of office and scepticism was expressed about the fairness of a trial in Virginia, close to the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Vincent De Stefano, Founder and Director of Assange Defence, highlighted the high conviction rate in the Eastern District Court of Virginia and the influence of intelligence agencies on the jury pool.
Similar demonstrations in support of Assange took place globally, reflecting widespread concerns over the potential consequences of his extradition. The rally coincides with the second day of a two-day hearing, during which Assange faces 18 charges from US authorities related to the publication of classified military and diplomatic documents.
Assange has been held in the UK's Belmarsh Prison since his arrest in April 2019, following the revocation of his asylum status at the Ecuadorian Embassy.
Despite legal challenges, including a failed attempt to contest his extradition, Assange's fate remains uncertain as his legal battle continues.
'Travesty of justice' - Londoners gather around Royal Courts of Justice in support of Assange as final extradition battle continues
A rally in support of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange commenced outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London on Wednesday, coinciding with ongoing extradition hearings.
Despite the rain, hundreds of protesters gathered, holding banners advocating for press freedom and chanting slogans demanding Assange's freedom. Among them was former Labour Party Leader Jeremy Corbyn, who voiced concerns about the potential ramifications of Assange's trial under the Espionage Act.
"If Julian ends up being tried under the Espionage Act, then any other journalist anywhere in the world could be tried under the Espionage Act for revealing truths about what US power is about," Corbyn emphasised.
Criticism was also directed at UK officials for their perceived failure to uphold their oath of office and scepticism was expressed about the fairness of a trial in Virginia, close to the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Vincent De Stefano, Founder and Director of Assange Defence, highlighted the high conviction rate in the Eastern District Court of Virginia and the influence of intelligence agencies on the jury pool.
Similar demonstrations in support of Assange took place globally, reflecting widespread concerns over the potential consequences of his extradition. The rally coincides with the second day of a two-day hearing, during which Assange faces 18 charges from US authorities related to the publication of classified military and diplomatic documents.
Assange has been held in the UK's Belmarsh Prison since his arrest in April 2019, following the revocation of his asylum status at the Ecuadorian Embassy.
Despite legal challenges, including a failed attempt to contest his extradition, Assange's fate remains uncertain as his legal battle continues.
A rally in support of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange commenced outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London on Wednesday, coinciding with ongoing extradition hearings.
Despite the rain, hundreds of protesters gathered, holding banners advocating for press freedom and chanting slogans demanding Assange's freedom. Among them was former Labour Party Leader Jeremy Corbyn, who voiced concerns about the potential ramifications of Assange's trial under the Espionage Act.
"If Julian ends up being tried under the Espionage Act, then any other journalist anywhere in the world could be tried under the Espionage Act for revealing truths about what US power is about," Corbyn emphasised.
Criticism was also directed at UK officials for their perceived failure to uphold their oath of office and scepticism was expressed about the fairness of a trial in Virginia, close to the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Vincent De Stefano, Founder and Director of Assange Defence, highlighted the high conviction rate in the Eastern District Court of Virginia and the influence of intelligence agencies on the jury pool.
Similar demonstrations in support of Assange took place globally, reflecting widespread concerns over the potential consequences of his extradition. The rally coincides with the second day of a two-day hearing, during which Assange faces 18 charges from US authorities related to the publication of classified military and diplomatic documents.
Assange has been held in the UK's Belmarsh Prison since his arrest in April 2019, following the revocation of his asylum status at the Ecuadorian Embassy.
Despite legal challenges, including a failed attempt to contest his extradition, Assange's fate remains uncertain as his legal battle continues.