The trial of the founder of Wikileaks Julian Assange may last for several years, an appeal is expected at any verdict, it is possible that the case will reach the Supreme Court, said the head of Wikileaks Christine Hrafnson told reporters on Tuesday.
“It’s going to be a very long battle, this kind of loud trial is going to last a very long time … It’s too early to say, but we may have to appeal, the case could go to the Supreme Court… If Julian wins, we expect the opposite side to appeal, it will be a long trial”, – said Mr. Hrafnson.
Assange’s attorney Jennifer Robinson explained that next week will be the first round of extradition hearings, where the parties’ initial arguments will be presented. This will be followed by a substantive hearing in May, at which evidence will be provided on positions.
“We expect a decision some time after that. The process could take several years”, – she said.
Assange, accused of sexual harassment and rape in Sweden in 2010, has been in hiding since June 2012 at the Ecuadorian embassy in London for fear of extradition to the Nordic country. In the morning of 11 April 2019, he was detained at the request of the United States. A court in London found him guilty of violating bail conditions and sentenced him to 11 months in prison. The extradition hearing began on 2 May last year.
U.S. authorities reported at the end of May that new charges were brought against Assange in 17 episodes of violation of the law on espionage and disclosure of classified information. Previously, he was charged with one count of conspiracy to break into a computer. If extradited to the U.S., Assanzhu faces years in prison.