Ahead of Julian Assange’s extradition hearing today in Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London, Massimo Moratti, Amnesty International’s Europe Deputy Director, said:

“The British authorities must acknowledge the real risks of serious human rights violations Julian Assange would face if sent to the USA, and reject the extradition request.

“The UK must comply with the commitment it’s already made that he would not be sent anywhere he could face torture or other ill-treatment.

“The UK must abide by its obligations under international human rights law that forbids the transfer of individuals to another country where they would face serious human rights violations.

“Were Julian Assange to be extradited or subjected to any other transfer to the USA, Britain would be in breach of these obligations.”

Previously, Amnesty had called for the rape allegations against Julian Assange to be treated with the utmost seriousness.