Roy Drew, Mullumbimby
On Wednesday 23 March 2022, Julian Assange and Stella Moris were married within the grim walls of Her Majesty’s Maximum Security Prison, Belmarsh, UK.
Apparently just four guests were allowed to attend, along with two witnesses and two guards.
Whether their two young sons were counted as guests is not known.
If they were, it would only leave two other family members either from Stella’s family or Julian’s family able to attend.
Journalist and activist Craig Murray, close friend and strong supporter of Julian was invited and then told at the last minute that permission for him was denied. It seems as though just one hour was allocated for the ceremony.
Julian would have been returned to his cell and Stella and others would have had to leave. To add to the authorities’ vindictiveness, even the taking of wedding photos was forbidden.
The taking of photographs of Stella in her wedding gown designed by Assange supporter Vivian Westwood was forbidden, not only inside the prison but also outside in front of the prison.
There are however photos on social media of Stella away from the prison precinct surrounded by enthusiastic supporters while she cut her wedding cake. Even then, photos show police standing in the background.
There doesn’t appear to be any letting up of the persecution of Australian citizen Julian Assange – even on his wedding day.
Although the ceremony was held in a prison, Julian and Stella were unable to get married without further interference or control.
He has been held in Belmarsh for almost three years now, at the behest of the US government. Julian Assange is incarcerated without charge – he hasn’t killed or hurt anyone. He is being held for simply publishing and making information available to the public in order that we might be better informed and made aware of what is being done in our name. Information that includes evidence of war crimes.
The treatment of Julian Assange and Stella Moris on their wedding day, of all days, is surely testimony to the inhumane and malicious nature of those wielding power.
It is the continuation of the gross injustice lasting more than a decade now that has been perpetrated on Julian Assange. Julian Assange today -– who will it be tomorrow?
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
