Editorial: The Guardian

• The high court decision to allow an appeal against extradition is good news.
• Julian Assange and his lawyers now have some months of breathing space, during which a political resolution to his case can be continued.
• The extradition and trial of Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, would send a chilling message to journalists around the world.
• Using the Espionage Act to prosecute Assange for publishing leaked material could likely criminalize the normal practice of investigative journalism covering national security matters.
• President Biden needs to find a way to dial things down.
• Assange has been languishing in Belmarsh prison for over five years, and still faces the threat of extradition and potential lifelong imprisonment.
• There has been American speculation regarding a possible plea deal, with which Assange might admit to a lesser offence and be set free.

Conclusion: It is imperative that the current US administration seeks a political resolution to Julian Assange's case, to avoid setting damaging precedents that may threaten press freedom and democratic principles.

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