“In 2016, the UN described Assange’s detention as arbitrary. His extradition would be a gross violation of the European Convention on Human Rights, including freedom of expression. If Assange’s extradition occurs, the nations that support it will no longer be legal,” Volodin stated on his Telegram account.

In the opinion of the parliamentary leader, if WikiLeaks should have leaked intelligent isues about Russia or China, instead of the United States, Assange would be seen as a “champion of truth and freedom.” “The situation around this person is an example of vileness, lies and double standards from Washington, London and Brussels,” he said.

Hearings at the High Court in London on Assange’s appeal against his extradition to the United States occurred on February 20th and 21st, but the Court is yet to announce its decision.

Assange has been held in the Belmarsh prison in England since he was arrested on April 11th, 2019, at the request of Washington, after being abducted at the Ecuadorian embassy in the United Kingdom. Assange remained as an exile in that embassy for seven years for fear of being extradited to USA.

The founder of WikiLeaks was charged with 18 criminal charges and faces 175 years in prison.

Assange may turn to the European Court of Human Rights as one of his last chances to avoid extradition.

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