Julian Assange has been imprisoned for 1784 days
Dear Friends,
Thank you to everyone around the world who mobilised for the much anticipated hearing of Julian Assange on Day X.
There was a definite sense that the public and press mood is shifting. Perhaps sensing this, the judges opted to reserve judgment, citing the need for more evidence to be submitted by March 4, including examples where the indicted publications expose state level criminality such as extraordinary rendition, torture, and war crimes.
Every major media outlet, press freedom group, and civil liberties organization can see the obvious: Assange is a journalist, Manning was a whistleblower, the charges against Assange are politically motivated and precedent-setting. So far though, British courts have sided with U.S. prosecutors uncritically and refused to engage in the defence’s case, notably the press freedom arguments.
"Assange is being prosecuted and punished for having revealed evidence of US state criminality...he could face the death penalty" said Julian Assange lawyer Jen Robinson. The court also heard evidence of Mike Pompeo’s kill/kidnap plot which was discussed at the highest levels of the White House and which included options and sketches of how it could be done. One of the security guards at the embassy testified he had been involved in discussions about poisoning Julian.
Craig Murray’s account of the proceedings inside the courtroom is compelling and atmospheric. You can find his article here. See also The Dissenter for a summary of the proceedings. Read the excellent hearing-highlights by Assange Defence here.
The two-day hearing is Julian’s last chance to attempt to convince the English Courts to reverse their decision to green-light the extradition and allow Julian’s arguments to be appealed.
If the judges rule against Julian, he will be placed into the custody of US marshals and taken to a US airbase in England and flown on a military plane to Virginia, unless the European Court of Human Rights forces the UK to stop the extradition. Such orders from the European Court are extremely rare and temporary. Read the latest summary by Chris Hedges here.
Thank you immensely for your unwavering support both outside the court on Day X and from all corners of the globe. The overwhelming display of solidarity and attention brought to Julian’s case is so important. As the judges deliberate, we remain in a precarious position, with Julian’s extradition to the United States still looming.
Your support is vital at this crucial moment. We will continue to provide updates and news, so please keep watching and stay engaged. You may also consider contributing to our campaign and Julian’s legal defense fund.
Watch this latest update from Stella Assange - "As we wait for the decision, our momentum must continue. Your support is vital at this critical time."
We have rebranded from the “Don’t Extradite Assange Campaign” to “Free Assange” to underscore the urgency of his situation. Julian should not be incarcerated at all; he must be freed. He has endured 13 years of isolation, including five years in the UK’s notorious maximum prison HMP Belmarsh, it is now or never.
If you missed our two-day coverage of the Day X hearing, visit our YouTube channel for insights. Additionally, stay tuned to Stella Assange’s YouTube channel for further updates, including a webinar on the 2nd of March with Marjorie Cohn, Kevin Gosztola and Stephen Rohde.
Free Julian Assange