Julian Assange extradition: what’s at stake?

Hearing in London kicks off ‘one of the most significant political trials of this generation’

Julian Assange
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange leaves a London court in May last year
(Image credit: Daniel Leal-Olivas/AFP/Getty Images)

Julian Assange’s extradition hearing begins today, as his lawyers go head-to-head with legal teams representing US authorities.

The US wants to try the WikiLeaks founder on espionage charges that carry a maximum prison sentence of 175 years over the publication of secret military documents and diplomatic cables.

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