Julian Assange’s detention “sets a dangerous precedent for journalists”, according to politicians from the Council of Europe’s parliamentary arm, who voted on Tuesday to oppose the WikiLeaks founder’s extradition to the US. Assange is being held in London’s Belmarsh prison prior to an extradition hearing that will begin in February. Foulkes had drafted an initial report – Threats to Media Freedom and Journalists’ Security in Europe – that will now contain amendments referring to Assange tabled by a number of European parliamentarians. The other states that his possible extradition to the US “would set a precedent and threaten journalists’ freedoms in all member states”. If convicted, Assange faces a prison term of up to 175 years.

Source: The Guardian January 28, 2020 19:52 UTC