UN torture expert warns over Assange extradition to US
US officials have unsealed an indictment against Assange for computer hackingEVILARD, SWITZERLAND: Julian Assange is not guaranteed a fair trial in the United States, a UN rights expert told AFP on Friday, questioning the US justice system’s credibility in national security cases. “I’m worried about fair trial,” said Melzer, one of several UN rapporteurs active on the Assange case. “I’m worried that he might be exposed to (the) detention practices of the United States, which in part are very problematic,” he added. Assange lawyer accuses Washington of ‘persecution’“The United States in the last decade, unfortunately, has not proven to be a safe state with regard to the provision of torture in cases that involve national security,” Melzer added. But Melzer echoed concerns that the US charge sheet could be expanded, especially if the Justice Department gets Assange on US soil.
Source: The Express Tribune April 12, 2019 16:07 UTC
