Two-day hearing will weigh up whether WikiLeaks founder can be granted leave to appeal against 2022 decision.
Lawyers for the WikiLeaks founder, Julian Assange, will begin a last-ditch attempt on Tuesday to fight his extradition to the US where he could face life in prison if convicted of spying charges.
A two-day hearing in the high court will consider whether Australian-born Assange, who has been held in Belmarsh prison for almost five years, can be granted leave to appeal against an extradition decision made in 2022 by the then home secretary, Priti Patel.
Assange’s supporters say that if the court refuses, it would clear the way for him to be flown to US amid fears for his deteriorating health.
Assange has requested to appear in court in person but is expected to appear via video link from Belmarsh.
His wife, Stella Assange, said: “His life is at risk every single day he stays in prison. If he’s extradited, he will die.”