Two years ago a group of us gathered beneath the pandanus and fig trees near Main Beach, Byron Bay in the pouring rain. We had come together to commemorate Julian Assange’s 50th birthday.
As we discussed the latest developments in Julian’s situation up to that point in time, we didn’t think we would have to call for his freedom for much longer. Regrettably, we have gathered on many occasions since then, and we have had to stand again for his 52nd birthday on 3 July.
It was not pouring rain this time, but in bright winter sunshine. For Julian, however, there was still no sunshine for him or trees to stand under on his birthday as he is still locked up in virtual solitary confinement behind the grim and punishing walls of His Majesty’s maximum security prison in Belmarsh, London.
He is now into his fifth year of incarceration at the hands of the British justice system, without charge, at the behest of the United States Government.
Furthermore, in what could almost be seen as acts of spite following Stella Assange’s well publicised and successful tour of Australia two weeks ago, the FBI announced they are continuing their investigations into Julian Assange and Wikileaks.
To rub further salt into the wound, a single British High Court judge has now ruled that an application by Julian’s legal team to appeal to the court against his extradition to the US be refused. At the time of writing a further and final application for appeal has been lodged.
It is also reported that the legal papers for his extradition have already been drawn up.
So, by the time of his next birthday, Australian citizen Julian Assange could be imprisoned in an American prison facing indictments that carry a sentence of 175 years.
As US President Joe Biden proclaimed recently on Press Freedom Day: ‘Journalism is not a crime’.
Words into action Mr President, and drop the charges against Julian Assange and call for his immediate release.
