Lawyers representing Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, will launch a final effort on Tuesday to contest his extradition to the United States, where he could potentially face life imprisonment if convicted of espionage charges.

In a two-day hearing in the high court, the legality of extraditing Assange, an Australian native who has been detained in Belmarsh prison for nearly five years, will be scrutinized.

The court will assess whether Assange can be granted permission to appeal a 2022 extradition decision made by then-Home Secretary Priti Patel.

Supporters of Assange argue that a refusal by the court could pave the way for his transfer to the U.S., raising concerns about his declining health.

Assange has expressed a preference to appear in court in person, but he is expected to participate via video link from Belmarsh, The Guardian reported.

Facing 17 charges of espionage and one charge of computer misuse under revived U.S. proceedings during Donald Trump’s presidency, Assange is accused of obtaining and disclosing classified material.

His legal team will contend that his extradition would constitute punishment for his political opinions.

Additionally, they are anticipated to argue that the decision would violate the European Convention on Human Rights, including Assange’s right to free speech.

WikiLeaks’ disclosures exposed details of U.S. activities in Iraq and Afghanistan, including video footage of a helicopter attack that resulted in the deaths of 11 individuals, including two Reuters journalists.

Written by B.C. Begley