THIRTEEN former and present world leaders have made an urgent call to the British government to halt Julian Assange’s “illegal” trial on extradition to the US. 

Former Brazilian president Lula da Silva is among 165 politicians across 27 countries joining the call to demand the freedom of the Wikileaks founder, currently fighting extradition at the Old Bailey in London. 

Endorsing an open letter to PM Boris Johnson, signed by 189 lawyers, Lula said today: “Assange should be perceived as a hero of democracy. He does not deserve to be punished.