Wikileaks Founder Julian Assange's Extradition Hearing Has Started

Julian Assange's extradition to the US began in a British court after his arrest at the Ecuadorian Embassy in London. The US charged him with conspiracy to commit computer hacking and 17 counts under the Espionage Act. Assange faces up to 175 years in prison if convicted. His lawyers argue the charges are politically motivated, noting the Obama administration's inaction compared to Trump's. They claim the proposed sentence is disproportionate. The legal arguments will last five days, followed by witness testimony, with a decision potentially taking months or years.

What led to Julian Assange's arrest by UK authorities?

• He was charged with theft.

• He violated bail conditions.

• He was found guilty of espionage.

• He was caught hacking into government systems.

What was the initial charge filed by the US Justice Department against Assange?

• Money laundering

• Terrorism

• Espionage

• Conspiracy to commit computer hacking

Under which act were additional charges filed against Assange?

• Espionage Act

• Cybersecurity Act

• Freedom of Information Act

• Patriot Act

What argument did Assange's lawyers present regarding the charges?

• The charges were based on new evidence.

• The charges were politically motivated.

• The charges were dropped by the previous administration.

• The charges were related to financial crimes.

How long could the legal proceedings potentially last before a decision is made?

• Several months or years

• A few days

• A few weeks

• A couple of hours