Assange’s freedom bid as US fights on

JULIAN Assange will launch an appeal to be released from prison this week after a UK judge ruled he will not be extradited to the US because she feared he would take his own life in jail there.

The news angered the US, with the Department of Justice vowing to pursue him further.

In a statement, the DOJ said it was “extremely disappointed in the court’s ultimate decision”.

“In particular, the court rejected all of Mr Assange’s arguments regarding political motivation, political offence, fair trial, and freedom of speech. We will continue to seek Mr Assange’s extradition to the United States,” it stated.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison acknowledged the decision but stopped short of saying what his view was.

He did say Assange (pictured) was free to return to Australia if he wanted.

“I note the decision overnight and like any other Australian I understand that’s subject to appeal ... assuming that all turns out he’s like any other Australian, he’s free to return home to Australia if he wishes,” he said.

“Consular support has been offered to Mr Assange ... it’s a matter for him (if he comes back to Australia) when proceedings and processes end.”

Australian MPs Andrew Wilkie and George Christensen, who co-chair the Bring Julian Assange Home Parliamentary Group, said in a statement the decision not to extradite him was a step towards justice.

“Julian Assange must now be freed ... and the Australian government must rule out any possibility of his extradition from this country should he return home,” Mr Wilkie said.