WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange appeals US extradition to European Court of Human RightsWikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, who is battling extradition from Britain to the United States where he is wanted on criminal charges, has submitted an appeal to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).Key points:- Assange is wanted by the US for WikiLeaks' release of confidential US military records and diplomatic cables- Britain has given the go-ahead for his extradition but he has launched an appeal at London's High Court- He has launched a case against Britain at the ECHR, which could order the extradition to be blockedMr Assange, 51, is wanted by US authorities on 18 counts, including one under a spying act, relating to WikiLeaks' release of vast troves of confidential US military records and diplomatic cables that Washington said had put lives in danger."I would imagine the US wants to avoid that … trying to extradite a publisher from Europe for publishing US war revelations when the US is asking Europe to make all sort of sacrifices for the war in Ukraine," Mr Shipton said.In January 2021, a British judge ruled Australian-born Mr Assange should not be extradited, saying his mental health meant he would be at risk of suicide if convicted and held in a maximum security prison.Mr Assange's supporters say he is an anti-establishment hero who has been victimised because he exposed US wrongdoing in conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, and that his prosecution is a politically motivated assault on journalism and free speech."