Press freedom in Europe died as the British court now formally ordered the extradition of WikiLeaks founder journalist Julian Assange to the USA. He might face up to 175 years in prison for doing the job every journalist should do. Publish the truth. It's now up to a British politician to stop the extradition.
So we are left with only one option. Protest and pressure our politicians. Everywhere. And tomorrow (Saturday) April 23, the Belgian city of Brussel will host what will be perhaps the largest protest to defend Julian Assange in Europe's history. As we fight against extradition of this innocent journalist to the USA, we need you to stand with us.
Agnès Callamard, Amnesty International’s Secretary General, said:
“The UK has an obligation not to send any person to a place where their life or safety is at risk and the Government must not abdicate that responsibility.
“The US authorities have flatly stated that they will change the terms of Assange’s imprisonment in a federal facility whenever they see fit. This admission places Julian Assange at great risk of prison conditions that could result in irreversible harm to his physical and psychological wellbeing.
“The extradition of Julian Assange would also be devastating for press freedom and for the public, who have a right to know what their governments are doing in their name.
“Publishing information that is in the public interest is a cornerstone of media freedom.
“Extraditing Julian Assange to face allegations of espionage for publishing classified information would set a dangerous precedent and leave journalists everywhere looking over their shoulders.
“The charges against Assange should never have been brought in the first place. It is not too late for the US authorities to set things right and drop the charges.
“In the meantime, given the politically-motivated nature of the case and its grave implications for freedom of expression, the UK should refrain from representing the USA in any further appeals.”
The program:
So join us at 14:00 CET at the Place De La Monnaie in Brussel, Belgium. In the evening there is a film screening in the Cinema Vendome starting at 19:00 CET of the movie Hacking Justice. It's time you let your voice be heard. Not just for Julian Assange, but for yourself and your right to a free and independent press.
Because journalism is not a crime.