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Julian Assange, former WikiLeaks founder, may be free and back in Australia but the ‘free Julian’ campaign has now turned its attention to seeking a full pardon for the admissions he made to escape incarcetation and extradition to the US
According to a statement issued by his brother, Gabriel Shipton, on behalf of Assange Campaign Australia, “On 26 June 2024, Julian was convicted for actions that are essential to journalistic practice; seeking information from sources and publishing it in the public interest.
“Julian may now be free, but this campaign was never just about Julian.
“This conviction, the first of its kind, sets a dangerous precedent that threatens press freedom globally and risks the safety of journalists who expose government wrongdoing—the very things Julian risked his life to protect.
“We know President Biden is guided by his commitment to the values of the American Republic. As he reflects on his legacy, he is considering the lives he can impact with his presidential pardons. We have a narrow window to advocate for justice.
“By granting a pardon to Julian, President Biden can not only correct a grave injustice but also send a powerful message that defending democracy and press freedom remains at the core of his presidency. He can reaffirm America’s dedication to truth and the First Amendment.”
“We know that this kind of action can achieve real results – we’ve proven it, together, over the last 18 months. Beyond just this open letter, over the coming weeks, I will also be in routine contact with congresspeople, senators and others from across the US government and want to be able to tell them about your support.”
