Julian Assange has been imprisoned for 1882 days
Dear Supporters,
We would like to give our profound thanks to all of you who were able to join us at the Royal Courts of Justice in London on Monday 20th May for what was truly an historic day.
Having been detained for over 13 years in one form or another celebrating a continuance of Julian’s incarceration is bitter sweet - but undoubtably more positive than many alternatives.
Reacting to the news Julian's wife Stella said that as a family they were 'relieved' that the court took the right decision, and that the ruling was a "good sign". Stella told the masses assembled outside the grand victorian court building that it was a "shameful prosecution" and that now was the right moment for the Biden administration to "drop it". As Julian's incarceration continues and his health deteriorates, Stella warned that we "may be running out of time to do the right thing" and that the continuing legal process were having an "enormous toll" on the publisher.
Stella Assange: "This case should be abandoned. Julian should be compensated. Julian should be given the nobel prize and he should walk freely with the sand beneath his feet, he should be able to swim in the sea again".
A Guardian editorial the following day told its readers that it was "well past time to draw a line" under the prosecution, which will 'imperil crucial democratic freedoms' and should not be allowed to go ahead.
Amnesty International called the judgment 'Positive news’ and that continuing the prosecution "ridicules the USA’s obligations under international law, and their stated commitment to freedom of expression", calling to "finally put an end to this shameful saga".
Reporters Without Borders similarly welcomed the Court decision which "opens up a vital new path to prevent extradition", going on to say that they "urge the UK to act in the interest of journalism and press freedom and refuse to further enable this dangerous prosecution"
You can read a more detailed court report from former UK ambassador Craig Murray with analysis here: 'The turning of the tide'
https://www.craigmurray.org.uk/archives/2024/05/the-turning-of-the-tide/.
International Federation of Journalists President Dominque Pradalié who came to London to observe proceedings said that “The judges have made the right decision – the threat to free speech that this prosecution creates should be of concern to us all. So too should the health of Julian Assange".
WikiLeaks' Kristinn Hrafnsson said that it was a "watershed moment" calling on the Biden admin to take a serious look at the damage this case was doing to their reputation.
https://x.com/FreeAssangeNews/status/1792563113960652887
Now is not the time to take our collective foot off the peddle - it is of the utmost importance that we use the recent good news to further and galvanize support for Julian Assange. All major human rights, free speech and media organizations are in agreement that the prosecution of Julian Assange is an clear and present threat both to journalism and a free press but also to everyone's right to know what their government is doing in their name.
With the announcement of a UK General Election on July 4th - the day following Julian's 53rd birthday - it is more important than ever to make representations to your local candidates and leave them in no doubt of the strength of feeling on this issue.
So let us go forward with a renewed sense of optimism and not stop until this cruel and unnecessary persecution is brought to an end and Julian is reunited with his wife Stella and their young children.
Free Julian Assange!
WHAT CAN YOU DO
We continue to urge US citizens to contact their representatives and call for them to sign House Resolution 934: "Regular journalistic activities are protected under the First Amendment, and that the United States ought to drop all charges against and attempts to extradite Julian Assange." Here is a link to resolution: https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-resolution/934/cosponsors
How to support Julian
The US government possesses unlimited resources to pursue its persecution of Julian Assange. However, we solely depend on you, the public, to advocate for his freedom. Every contribution made to the Free Assange campaign supports our efforts. Please consider becoming our patron and signing up for monthly donations of £5, £10, or more. Your donation will truly make a difference!
More details here: https://freeassange.org/donate/