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Former Brazilian president says he doubts Assange is guilty

Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva says WikiLeaks founder simply told the truth and now faces 175 years in prison

RIO DE JANEIRO, June 18. /TASS/. Brazil’s former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has said he doubted Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks who’s facing 175 years in a US prison for divulging classified data, is guilty of anything.

"A decision was made today to extradite Assange to the US," he said on Twitter. "If he’s extradited that will definitely mean a life in prison and he’ll die in prison."

"But what crime did Assange commit? He simply told the truth," the politician said. He also said Assange uncovered "lies and espionage" by the US.

Earlier on Friday it was reported that British Home Secretary Priti Patel has approved the extradition of Assange to the United States. WikiLeaks said it would appeal the decision.