Allegation of CIA 'murder' plot is game-changer in Assange extradition hearing, fiancee says

FILE PHOTO: Stella Moris, partner of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, speaks to media outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, Britain, August 11, 2021. REUTERS/Henry Nicholls/File Photo

LONDON (Reuters) - The partner of Julian Assange said on Monday a media report that the CIA had plotted to kill or kidnap the WikiLeaks founder was a game-changer in his fight against extradition from Britain to the United States.

U.S. authorities will this week begin their appeal against a British judge's refusal to extradite Assange - who is wanted on 18 criminal charges including breaking a spying law - because his mental health problems meant he would be at risk of suicide.