Australian Parliament Formally Oppose Assange Extradition

A motion calling for the return of Wikileaks founder Julian Assange to Australia has passed the lower house of federal parliament by 86 votes to 42. It was supported by Labor, while most of the opposition coalition opposed the motion. It was moved by independent MP Andrew Wilkie, who said it “will send a powerful political signal to the British government and to the U.S. government.” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told Parliament that London High Court’s hearing of Mr. Assange’s appeal were a “critical period.” “I hope this can be resolved. I hope it can be resolved amicably. It’s not up to Australia to interfere in the legal processes of other countries, but it is appropriate for us to put our very strong view that those countries need to take into account the need for this to be concluded,” he said....