On Tuesday 24th, during the evening vote session, the European parliament will be voting on the Report on the situation of fundamental rights in the European Union 2018-2019. The rapporteur on this report, Clare Daly MEP, included a reference to the case of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, recognising that it poses a threat to journalists and freedom of expression in Europe. The European Federation of Journalists stated that the detention and prosecution of Assange sets "an extremely dangerous precedent for journalists, media actors and freedom of the press."
We can support Julian by sending a letter to the EU parliamentarians tomorrow asking them to vote on amendment 44. Find a sample letter at https://diem25.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Letter-to-MEPs-Julian-Assange.docx .
Here are our suggestions about points to include:
• Write to each of the MEPs who represent you. You can find out who they are at https://www.europarl.europa.eu/meps/en/home
• Explain why the prosecution of Julian Assange is a threat to freedom of expression and journalism in Europe, based on https://europeanjournalists.org/blog/2020/01/02/international-journalist-statement-in-defence-of-julian-assange/
• Make reference to the findings of authoritative bodies in support of this, including the statement of the EFJ on the case, the decision of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, and the statement of the High Commissioner for Human Rights for the Council of Europe; e.g. this one and this one
• Express your support for including a reference to the case in the Fundamental Rights report, and your displeasure that the EPP, the S&Ds and Renew groups took it out.
• Inform them that Clare Daly MEP has tabled an amendment adding it back in, specifically mention the number of the amendment (amendment 44), and encourage them to support it.
• Tell them that you will be paying attention to how they vote on Tuesday, and that you are depending on their support.
Please ensure that the freedom of the press will be protected in Europe!