"Assange's human rights could be violated if extradited to US"

Geneva/UN: WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange's human rights could be violated if he is arrested and extradited to the US, according to a UN expert.

UN Special Rapporteur on torture Nils Melzer stated, "In my assessment, if Mr. Assange were to be expelled from the Embassy of Ecuador, he is likely to be arrested by British authorities and extradited to the US."

"Such a response could expose him to a real risk of serious violations of his human rights, including his freedom of expression, his right to a fair trial and the prohibition of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment," the expert added, saying he would personally investigate the case.

Melzer urged the Government of Ecuador not to expel Assange from its Embassy in London and from suspending his political asylum "such time as the full protection of his human rights can be guaranteed."

He also called on the British government not to extradite him to the US should he come under their jurisdiction.

“Should Mr. Assange come under British jurisdiction for any reason, I urge the British Government to refrain from expelling, returning or extraditing Mr. Assange to the United States or any other jurisdiction, until his right to asylum under refugee law or subsidiary protection under international human rights law has been determined in a transparent and impartial proceeding granting all due process and fair trial guarantees, including the right to appeal,” said Melzer.

“According to information I have received, Mr. Assange is at risk of extreme vulnerability, and his health is in serious decline. I therefore appeal to the Ecuadorian authorities to continue to provide him, to the fullest extent possible in the circumstances, with adequate living conditions and access to appropriate medical care."

Melzer is preparing to formally request the governments of Ecuador and the UK to visit Assange onsite. He said he would also visit authorities in both countries to assess the risks faced by Assange.

Melzer added, "Extradition without due process safeguards, including an individual risk assessment and adequate protection measures violates international law, particularly if the destination State practices the death penalty and has not disclosed the criminal charges held against the person concerned.

"Under such circumstances, the international legal prohibition of ‘refoulement’ is absolute, regardless of considerations of national security, political expediency or any other similar considerations,” the Special Rapporteur said.