After a British judge rejected the United States’ request to extradite WikiLeaks
founder Julian Assange, currently facing espionage charges, the US Justice
Department expressed dismay, saying that it was ‘extremely disappointed’ with
the judge’s decision, AFP reported.

“While we are extremely disappointed in the court’s ultimate
decision, we are gratified that the United States prevailed on every point of
law raised,” the department said, pointing to Assange’s claims he had been
exercising free speech rights and that the US was pursuing a political vendetta.

“We will continue to seek Mr. Assange’s extradition to the United
States,” the department said.

The 49-year-old Australian was facing charges in the US
under the Espionage Act for leaking classified military and diplomatic cables.

The judge ruled against the extradition citing mental health
issues, saying that the move would be ‘oppressive’.

“I have decided that extradition would be oppressive and I order
his discharge,” District Judge Vanessa Baraitser said in her ruling.

Also Read | UK court blocks WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange’s extradition treaty to US

Judge Baraitser, presiding over the case at the Old Bailey court in
London, ruled that Assange was likely to commit suicide if extradited to the
US, where he is wanted on 17 espionage charges and one charge of computer
misuse over WikiLeaks publication a decade ago.

He faces a maximum of 175 years in prison.

The US government said it would appeal the judge’s decision
and have 14 days to lodge the paperwork. This means Assange is not likely to be
freed from London’s Belmarsh Prison, where he is being held, right away. A request
for his bail will be made on Wednesday.