Make your voice heard: protect Assange and the freedom of the press – DiEM25

Dear Comrades,

On Tuesday 24th, during the evening vote session, the European parliament will be voting on the Report on the situation of fundamental rights in the European Union 2018-2019.

The rapporteur on this report, Clare Daly MEP, included a reference to the case of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, recognising that it poses a threat to journalists and freedom of expression in Europe. The European Federation of Journalists stated that the detention and prosecution of Assange sets an extremely dangerous precedent for journalists, media actors and freedom of the press.

The Council of Europe statement Continued Detention of WikiLeaks Founder and Publisher Julian Assange also highlights Julian Assanges arbitrary confinement and the findings of UN Special Rapporteur on Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment Nils Melzer. His conclusion was that in Belmarsh Assange exhibited all symptoms typical for prolonged exposure to psychological torture, including extreme stress, chronic anxiety and intense psychological trauma.

As the Commissioner for Human Rights has expressed Julian Assange should not be extradited due to potential impact on press freedom and concerns about ill-treatment.

Here are our suggestions about points to include:

To further help, you can:

Resources youll need:

Assange Amendment_44.pdf

Letter to MEPs Julian Assange.docx

MeRA25 has also recently filed a motion to declare Julian Assanges extradition case null and void.

The Progressive International, co-founded by DiEM25 and The Sanders Institute, has additionally held The Belmarsh Tribunal on 2 October which sought to evaluate US war crimes in the 21st century, and defend Julian Assanges right to reveal them. You can now watch it here!

If you want to learn more about the case, read more here.

Read our call to action on our Forum!

Photo Source: Council of Europe.

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Make your voice heard: protect Assange and the freedom of the press - DiEM25