Prime Minister must increase efforts to gain Julian Assange’s freedom

“The Alliance Against Political Prosecutions condemns the ongoing politically motivated legal actions preventing the freedom of Australian journalist, Julian Assange. These actions constitute torture, as it has been called by the UN special rapporteur on Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, Prof Nils Melzer, and should be condemned as such,” said Kathryn Kelly, co-convenor of the Alliance.

“This action in the UK courts on behalf of the US Government with Julian in Belmarsh Prison for three years, and on top of the seven years detention in the Ecuadorian Embassy, means he has not seen freedom for 10 years. This is a sentence longer than those of many violent criminals – and Julian has committed no crime. Julian’s health is seriously deteriorating and the mini stroke he suffered last year has not been investigated.”

“These proceedings against Julian Assange are fundamentally an attempt to intimidate journalists everywhere. They are a travesty of justice and must be ended”, Ms Kelly said.

“Prime Minister Albanese has said of the actions against Assange, that “Enough is enough” and that “I can’t see what is served by keeping him incarcerated”. The Prime Minister must redouble his efforts with the UK and US Governments to gain his freedom.”

CONTACT: Kathryn Kelly 0417 269 984
Co-convenor of the AAPP

aapolpros@gmail.com