What expert witnesses said
Psychiatrists and doctors who have interviewed, visited, and treated Julian Assange testify that he has Asperger’s syndrome, clinical depression, and is at a high risk of suicide in the event of extradition. U.S. lawyers, prison experts and a former warden testified that if sent to the United States, Assange would be held in solitary confinement under communication-gagging Special Administrative Measures, would get an extremely long prison sentence, and would likely be held post-trial in the highest-security prison in the country, ADX Florence in Colorado.
Why it matters
Section 91 of the United Kingdom’s 2003 Extradition Act prohibits extradition if “the physical or mental condition of the person is such that it would be unjust or oppressive to extradite him.” Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights says that “No one shall be subjected to torture or to inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.”
Key testimony
- Eric Lewis: Julian Assange would face solitary confinement and Special Administrative Measures in the United States (day 5)
- Eric Lewis: Assange faces 175 years in prison and abusive conditions (day 6)
- Psychiatrist: High risk of suicide if Assange is extradited
- Medical experts on the dangers of extradition
- Dr. Crosby: “very high risk” of suicide if Assange is extradited
- Yancey Ellis: Assange would face solitary confinement and extreme restrictions if sent to the United States
- Joel Sickler: Assange would get little to no health care in US prison
- Former warden: Assange would get “desolate and degrading” Special Administrative Measures
- Lindsay Lewis: Assange will “almost certainly” be placed under Special Administrative Measures