WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange is due to appear in a London court Monday to begin his battle against extradition to the U.S. on espionage charges. The extradition hearing will not focus on wrongdoing, but instead determine whether Assange can be extradited under the terms of a U.S.-U.K. treaty. Manning was convicted by a court martial under the Espionage Act and spent several years behind bars, but Assange has never faced trial. Assange was also a looming figure in the recent criminal prosecution of Roger Stone, longtime friend and ally of President Trump. The extradition hearing will continue for a week and then be placed on hold until May 18 so that both sides can gather more evidence ahead of a three-week hearing.

Source: Los Angeles Times February 23, 2020 19:07 UTC