From the Assange Campaign:
It has never been more urgent that we act for Julian Assange’s freedom.
On February 20 and 21, the UK High Court will conduct a hearing on whether Julian can appeal an earlier decision, allowing the UK to extradite him to the US.
If the Court refuses to allow Julian to appeal, then he will be left without any legal avenues in the UK.
He could be extradited to the US within 24 hours.
The only legal option left would be for Julian’s team to apply to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), asking it to block the extradition. However, there is no guarantee the ECHR would approve the application.
In response to the hearing, the co-convenors of the Australian Bring Julian Assange Home Parliamentary Group – Andrew Wilkie MP (Independent), Bridget Archer MP (Liberal), Josh Wilson MP (Labor) and Senator David Shoebridge (Greens) – have signed a letter to the UK Home Secretary James Cleverly MP.
In the US, Congresspeople across the political spectrum have sponsored a congressional resolution, calling on the US Government to drop all charges and withdraw the extradition request, and stating that journalistic activities are protected by the First Amendment. This resolution followed our Washington Delegation, a bipartisan group of Australian politicians who visited the US in September.
Julian’s supporters around the world continue to fight for his freedom.
#Assange trended on Twitter throughout December. Documentary The Trust Fall: Julian Assange will premiere in Brisbane and Adelaide. On January 18, a public rally will take place in London. On March 9, there’ll be an important conference in Melbourne.
We were devastated to hear of the news of journalist John Pilger’s death on December 30th. He was one of Julian’s most vocal supporters – and a good friend. We invite you to send messages of support to John’s family.
Whatever the UK Court decides, Prime Minister Albanese has the power and means to negotiate with the US Government for Julian’s release. We must continue to pressure him to do so.
ACT TODAY FOR JULIAN’S FREEDOM
1. WRITE TO THE US AMBASSADOR ✍️
The US Ambassador to Australia, Caroline Kennedy, should tell the US to drop the charges against Julian. Please sign our petition, urging her to do so. More than 72,000 people have added their names. Please share with your family, friends and colleagues today.
SIGN NOW: action.assangecampaign.org.au/?pc=n12
2. VOLUNTEER YOUR SKILLS 🙋
Attention, all Melbourne-based supporters! We need volunteers on Saturday 10 February to host a market stall in Melbourne’s inner west. We’ll be raising awareness about Julian’s plight, gathering petition signatures and fundraising. If you’re in Melbourne and keen to help, but can’t make it to the upcoming market stall, still express your interest – and we’ll get in touch. Sign up NOW!
JOIN US: action.assangecampaign.org.au/volunteer
3. MESSAGES OF CONDOLENCE 💌
John Pilger leaves behind a decades-long legacy of powerful, truth-seeking investigative journalism and unyielding commitment to advocating for human rights. He was one of the first to write powerfully in Julian’s defence more than a decade ago, and he has stayed the course ever since – even visiting Julian a number of times at the Ecuadorian Embassy and recently at Belmarsh Prison. Will you send John’s family a message of care and condolence? We will make sure these reach John’s family, providing them with comfort and the knowledge that he was deeply loved and appreciated.
SEND A MESSAGE: action.assangecampaign.org.au/supportmessages
4. MEET YOUR MP 🤝
In 2023, we met 45 MPs and Senators – an impressive 20% of our federal parliament. This remarkable achievement has set the stage for an even more impactful 2024. We’re making our campaign bigger and better, one MP at a time – and invite you, your friends and your family to join us. Your participation could be the catalyst for change. Sign up now to become a pivotal part of this historic movement!
GET INVOLVED: action.assangecampaign.org.au/meet-your-mp-program
5. ATTEND UPCOMING EVENTS 👀
Attend ‘Night Falls in the Evening Lands: The Assange Epic’ on Saturday 9 March in-person or virtually! The conference will explore what fighting for Julian’s freedom embodies, defending the right to speak out freely, accessing unbiased information and holding governments accountable for their actions. Hear from influential speakers, including human rights expert, Craig Mokhiber; former Greece Finance Minister, Yanis Varoufakis; and Julian’s father, John Shipton. Don’t miss out!
You can find upcoming events on the Assange Freedom Network site, which is a community initiative created for and by grassroots supporters of Julian Assange.
Connect with likeminded people in your local area, or start a new group and add your event.
DONATE: action.assangecampaign.org.au/donate
If we speak up, our government must act … that’s democracy (and don’t let them forget it). 😉