With Australian journalist and Wikileaks founder, Julian Assange, fighting extradition from the UK to the US on espionage charges, local Labor branches are mobilising to put pressure on the new Labor government to do more for his release.
A motion was moved by Campaign Officer, local resident, and former adviser to Labor prime ministers Rudd and Gillard, Damian Kassabgi.
It reads, ‘Northern Rivers branches acknowledge important shifts in Australian foreign policy positions emanating from the Albanese government in relation to the extradition of Julian Assange’.
‘We thank [local MP] Justine Elliot for her continued support on the matter.
‘The Brunswick Branch, in conjunction with numerous branches in the region, will support the full force of Australian diplomacy under a new Labor government to see that the US withdraws its case against Mr Assange.
‘President Obama pardoned Chelsea Manning for exposing war crimes in Iraq. President Biden could in effect do the same for Mr Assange. The US cannot justify a life sentence for an Australian for publishing critical details of these crimes. We stand firm on publishing material clearly in the public interest, that exposes war crimes, regardless of whether it was published by a journalist or through the internet. We encourage the Prime Minister to do all in his power to see this matter come to an end and finally bring Julian Assange home’.
Cannot intervene: MP
When asked about the recent developments on the Assange case, local Federal MP, Justine Elliot told The Echo, ‘I fully support the statement made by Penny Wong, the Minister for Foreign Affairs’.
‘Julian’s case has dragged on for too long and it should be brought to a close. The United Kingdom Home Secretary has made the decision to extradite Julian Assange to the United States.
‘Julian has several avenues through which he can appeal this decision.
‘The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will continue to offer consular assistance to Julian Assange, noting that Australia is not a party to Julian Assange’s case, nor can the Australian government intervene in the legal matters of another country.
‘The Australian Government will continue to convey our expectations that Julian Assange is entitled to due process, humane and fair treatment, access to proper medical care, and access to his legal team. The Australian Government has been clear in our view that Julian Assange’s case has dragged on for too long and that it should be brought to a close. We will continue to express this view to the governments of the United Kingdom and United States’.
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