Australian lawmakers have written to President Biden on World Press Freedom Day, urging him to drop charges against WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange. Assange is currently in a U.K. prison fighting extradition to the U.S. for publishing classified American military documents 14 years ago. The lawmakers, representing the 'Bring Julian Assange Home' Parliamentary Friendship Group, called for an end to Assange's prosecution, highlighting his prolonged imprisonment without conviction on substantial charges.
Assange, facing 17 counts under the Espionage Act, could potentially face up to 175 years in a maximum security prison if extradited to the U.S. The charges stem from WikiLeaks' 2010 publication of cables leaked by U.S. Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning. The Biden administration has continued the prosecution initiated by the Trump administration.
The Australian lawmakers' letter follows Biden's recent acknowledgment of considering Australia's request to end Assange's prosecution. The lawmakers emphasized the need for Assange to be reunited with his family in Australia and urged the U.S. to discontinue the extradition process.
Assange's legal battle has seen various developments, including a U.K. district court rejecting the U.S. extradition request in 2021, citing concerns about his well-being in U.S. prison conditions. However, higher courts overturned this decision after receiving assurances from the U.S.
Press freedom advocates have criticized Assange's prosecution, viewing it as a threat to journalism. They argue that prosecuting Assange under the Espionage Act could set a dangerous precedent for press freedom, potentially leading to the criminalization of journalistic activities.
On World Press Freedom Day, concerns were also raised about the plight of journalists facing legal cases worldwide for their work. The U.S. was downgraded in the World Press Freedom Index, reflecting growing challenges to press freedom within the country.
Advocacy groups are calling on Congress to pass the bipartisan PRESS Act, aimed at safeguarding journalists from being compelled to reveal their sources and confidential work. The ongoing legal battles involving Assange and other journalists underscore the importance of upholding press freedom in a democratic society.
