UK Court Blocks Julian Assange's Extradition To The United States

A British court has ruled that Wikileaks founder Julian Assange (49) cannot be extradited to the United States.

District Judge Vanessa Baraitser blocked the request because of concerns over Assange’s mental health. She said:

The overall impression is of a depressed and sometimes despairing man fearful for his future.

Assange is expected to remain in jail in the United Kingdom.

He is wanted in the United States over the publication of thousands of classified documents in 2010 and 2011.

The US claims the leaks broke the law and endangered lives. Assange has fought the extradition and says the case is politically motivated.

Assange faces up to 175 years in a US jail over espionage and hacking charges.

More: BBC News