Alan Rusbridger: “I know Assange is problematic, but I will always defend the work we did together”

Having worked closely with him, I understand why the Wikileaks founder will always be a deeply controversial figure, writes Alan Rusbridger. But his attempt to fight extradition to America, means we are confronted with fundamental questions about press freedom and the power of the state

Should Assange, an Australian citizen, be extradited to America? (PA)

You may well have forgotten about Julian Assange. It’s been more than 11 years since he disappeared from public view – first into the claustrophobic seclusion of the Ecuadorian embassy and then, nearly seven years later, to the maximum security Belmarsh prison. Out of sight, out of mind.

But he is back in the headlines again as he was won a right to appeal against being extradited to America to stand trial for leaking military secrets.

Why should we care?