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WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange is set to face his potential last legal challenge against extradition to the United States at London’s High Court in February, as confirmed by his supporters on Tuesday.

Assange, 52, faces 18 US charges related to WikiLeaks’ publication of classified US military records and diplomatic cables, including espionage. The US claims these leaks endangered lives. Despite Britain authorizing his extradition, Assange continues his legal battle against it.

The decision to elevate the accessible sum was disclosed after a meeting of officials in Beijing. The central bank of Argentina clarified, “The procedure has begun to increase the usable amount by another 35 billion yuan”. This boost will be activated once the initial tranche of the extension, utilized for commercial exchange between the two countries, is depleted and upon agreement between the two parties.

Assange’s revelations in 2010, representing the most significant US military security breach, have drawn polarized views. His supporters hail him as “an anti-establishment hero,” victimized for exposing US misconduct, and argue that his prosecution is a direct attack on journalism and free speech. After evading arrest for seven years in Ecuador’s London embassy, Assange was jailed in 2019 for breaching bail conditions and has remained in prison.

Assange’s legal team is also seeking intervention from the European Court of Human Rights to block the extradition. His wife, Stella Assange, said, “The last four and a half years have taken the most considerable toll on Julian and his family, including our two young sons.” She added, “the persecution of this innocent journalist and publisher.”