- Question
Should Julian Assange be extradited?
Following the Ecuadorian government's withdrawal of asylum, Julian Assange was arrested and removed from the country's embassy in London. He faces charges in the US of conspiracy to break into a computer, relating to Wikileaks' publication of more than 250,000 classified military documents and diplomatic cables in 2010. Should Assange be extradited to the US to face these charges? Was he doing a public service? Will he get a fair trial? Should he be sent to Sweden to face sexual assault charges instead?
Julian Assange should be extradited to the US
This position holds that Julian Assange should be extradited to the United States. It argues that he committed crimes and should be held accountable — that his intentions were not in the public interest, and that he crossed the line from journalist into criminal.
Julian Assange should not be extradited to the US
This position holds that Julian Assange should not be extradited to the US. It argues that revealing government documents was public-interest journalism rather than a crime, that he would not receive a fair trial in the US, and cites Article 4 of the UK–US extradition treaty.
Julian Assange should be extradited to Sweden
This position argues that Julian Assange should be extradited to Sweden, where he faced accusations of rape and sexual assault. It holds that a court had already ruled in favour of extradition, and that refusing to send him would effectively endorse rape culture.
Julian Assange should not be extradited to Sweden
This position holds that Julian Assange should not be extradited to Sweden. It argues that the Swedish charges against him were dropped, leaving no pending extradition request there, and that he was set up — making any move to send him to Sweden unwarranted.