WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange lodged an application to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) on Friday over his extradition from Britain to the United States, reported Reuters.
The UK has given approval for Assange’s extradition to the US in June. However, Assange’s lawyers have lodged an appeal in London’s High Court against the extradition, and the first hearing is expected early next year.
Assange, 51, is wanted by the US authorities for 18 offences, one of which is as part of an act of espionage related to the release of classified US military records and diplomatic correspondence that Washington says endangered lives.
WikiLeaks’ legal team has lodged an application to the ECHR against the UK, that could potentially rule against extradition.
“We confirm that an application has been received,” the court said in a statement on Friday.
His wife, Stella Assange, said that she hoped the issue could be resolved in Britain. “It would be a sad day and a major disappointment,” she said, if the case was taken to the ECHR.
Several global news organisations including the New York Times urged the US government to drop the charges against WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, citing First Amendment concerns, on 28 November.
