Julian Assange: US extradition request rejected by British judge

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The 49-year-old Australian has been charged in the US under the Espionage Act for his role in publishing military and diplomatic diplomatic cables.

“I have decided that extradition would be oppressive and I order his termination,” Judge Vanessa Baraitser said in her ruling Monday.

While deciding that Assange would have a “fair trial” in the event of extradition to the United States, the judge considered that the “special administrative measures” Assange would likely have would have a severe negative impact on his mental health.

In his full opinion, published online, Baraitser wrote: “I accept that oppression as an obstacle to extradition requires a high threshold … However, I am satisfied that, in these harsh conditions, health Mr Assange’s mental state would deteriorate causing him to commit suicide with the “unique determination” of his autism spectrum disorder. “

“I find Mr. Assange’s mental condition such that it would be oppressive to extradite him to the United States of America,” he added.

The US said it would appeal the decision.

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CNN’s Vasco Cotovio contributed to this report.

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