John Jiggens
John Shipton, father of detained WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, is due to speak in the Byron Shire again this week.
Mr Assange and his family have close connections to the Northern Rivers, with the acclaimed journalist having spent part of his childhood in the hinterland.
His father has dedicated much of the past decade to fighting for Mr Assange’s freedom and has spoken as part of sell-out public forums in the Byron Shire at least three times, with support from independent local media organisations The Echo and Bay FM community radio.
This May, Mr Shipton is on tour down the east coast again and started with a public address in the Nimbin Town Hall as part of MardiGrass festivities.
Mr Shipton spoke in Brisbane on World Press Freedom Day (May 3) and marched with the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance on behalf of his son, a Queensland-born member of the MEAA, before addressing a rally in West End.
Northern Rivers residents can hear Mr Shipton in person at the Courthouse Hotel this Tuesday, May 4, from 7pm as part of the monthly Turning Point Talks.
Peace advocates Ciaron O’Reilly and Melbourne4WikiLeaks member Jacob Grech will join Mr Shipton on the panel, while local regional journalists Mandy Nolan (The Echo) and Mia Armitage (Bay FM’s Community Newsroom) will introduce and facilitate the discussion.
On Wednesday, May 5, Mr Shipton will speak in Lismore at the space in front of the gallery in Keen Street from 1pm with support from Lismore Mayor Vanessa Ekins and Councillor Darlene Cook.
A midday rally at Byron’s Railway Park on Friday, May 7, will end Mr Shipton’s North Coast stint and will also feature Byron Shire Councillor and former journalist Sarah Ndiaye.
Lismore City Councillors Ekins and Cook and Byron Shire Cr Ndiaye have all supported Mr Assange at a local government level.
Know I don’t have to say this ,BUT THANK YOU Mr Shipton for continuing your valiant/ endless efforts in fighting for your son’s freedom. I realise you do this most willingly, BUT such a campaign is exhausting & overwhelming. I hope you are remembering to Care for yourself & take some time out to smell the wattle ? Julian is very lucky to have you for a Dad & I sincerely hope that one day very soon he’ll be able to hug you, in your own home OUT OF Bloody Belmarsh Prison. Don’t give up ,many millions of people across the planet are fighting for Julians release & will support you until Julian is FREE.
We have not forgotten Julian in Sydney. Every Friday night a large group of supporters gathers outside the Town Hall. This past Monday a few of us went to the front of the ABC with large banners. Started at 7.30 am. We got a great response from passing cars. Lots of Toots. Even had a visit from 4 Mr. Plods. We were charming and they stayed and listened to the plight of Julian. What about a visit from John in Sydney? We could gather folks. Any feedback?