Amnesty International on Tuesday renewed its call for the U.S. government to drop charges against jailed WikiLeaks publisher Julian Assange, whose final hearing before the United Kingdom’s High Court regarding his extradition to the United States is fast approaching.
Assange’s February 20-21 hearing before the High Court will determine whether the Australian journalist – who has been imprisoned in London’s Belmarsh Prison since April 2019 – has exhausted all of his U.K. appeals and will be extradited to the United States, where he has been charged with violating the 1917 Espionage Act and the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act for publishing classified U.S. military documents and files on WikiLeaks over a decade ago.
“The risk to publishers and investigative journalists around the world hangs in the balance. Should Julian Assange be sent to the U.S. and prosecuted there, global media freedoms will be on trial, too,” said Julia Hall, Amnesty International’s expert on counterterrorism and criminal justice in Europe.
“Assange will suffer personally from these politically motivated charges and the worldwide media community will be on notice that they too are not safe,” Hall added. “The public’s right to information about what their governments are doing in their name will be profoundly undermined. The U.S. must drop the charges under the Espionage Act against Assange and bring an end to his arbitrary detention in the U.K.”
Reporters Without Borders explainer on pivotal Feb 20-21 Julian Assange UK court hearing #FreeAssange pic.twitter.com/bAVOgsctBy
— WikiLeaks (@wikileaks) February 12, 2024
Among the materials published by WikiLeaks are the Afghanistan and Iraq war logs, which revealed U.S. and coalition war crimes, many of them leaked by American whistleblower Chelsea Manning. Perhaps the most infamous of the leaks is the so-called “Collateral Murder” video, which shows U.S. Army attack helicopter crews laughing as they gunned down a group of Iraqi civilians that included journalists and children.
While the soldiers and commanders implicated in the materials published by WikiLeaks have largely enjoyed impunity, Manning served seven years in prison before her sentence was commuted by outgoing U.S. President Barack Obama in 2017. Meanwhile, Assange faces up to 175 years behind bars if found guilty of all charges against him.
According to the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, Assange has been arbitrarily deprived of his freedom since he was arrested in December 2010. Since then he has been held under house arrest, confined for seven years in the Ecuadorean Embassy in London while he was protected by the administration of former Ecuadorean President Rafael Correa, and jailed in Belmarsh.
In 2019, Nils Melzer, then the U.N. special rapporteur on torture, said Assange was showing “all symptoms typical for prolonged exposure to psychological torture.”
In a development related to Assange’s case, a federal judge earlier this month sentenced Joshua Schulte of New York to 40 years in prison in part for giving WikiLeaks “Vault 7,” a series of documents detailing the CIA’s surveillance and cyberwarfare activities and capabilities.
On Monday, the CIA – which during the Trump administration mulled assassinating Assange – invoked its state secrets privilege in a bid to block a lawsuit by the publisher’s attorneys. The suit alleges that CIA operatives “blatantly violated” the rights of lawyers and journalists visiting Assange in the Ecuadorean Embassy in London by conducting unconstitutional searches and seizures of their electronic devices.
Acclaimed U.S. film director Oliver Stone released a video over the weekend to draw attention to protests on “Day X” – what Assange supporters are calling his upcoming hearing – and Assange’s continued “illegal detention.”
“The world needs to be reminded, and so does Julian,” said Stone. “He’s one of us. He’s more than that, he is the collective us. If he goes down a part of each one of us goes down.”
Oliver Stone calls attention to protests in London and globally on February 20-21 as Julian Assange's final UK court hearing nears
"He's one of us, he's more than that – he is the collective us – if he goes down a part of each one of us goes down" #FreeAssange pic.twitter.com/Kxamf84QLY
— WikiLeaks (@wikileaks) February 12, 2024
In New York City, activist and political satirist Randy Credico, host of “Julian Assange: Countdown to Freedom”on WBAI radio and the Progressive Radio Network, will be co-piloting billboard trucks with “Free Assange” messages until the London hearing, according toCounterPunch.
Meanwhile in France, Russian artist Andrei Molodkin is attracting global attention for threatening to destroy a collection of works by artists including Picasso, Rembrandt, and Andy Warhol that he has amassed if Assange – who suffers from a host of health issues – dies in prison.
Brett Wilkins is is staff writer for Common Dreams. Based in San Francisco, his work covers issues of social justice, human rights and war and peace. This originally appeared at CommonDreams and is reprinted with the author’s permission.
This extradition wouldn’t be an issue if U.S. would show the evidence in an open court room. But using the concern for national security, all evidence against him will be classified and he will be Epsteined.
And amnesty also says, “ F Navalny, we don’t care about Russian imprisoned political leaders”.
Is it the same “political prisoner” who has stolen money from French perfume company Yves Rocher?
Oh yeah, all those fabricated cases.
Any evidence to support this kremlin claim?
It’s ok, I’ll wait.
Im surprised he is still alive.
Putin got scared is what really happened.
Navalny flew back to Russia knowing he’d be jailed but he had nothing to hide.
You quickly jumped on the assange wagon because US is involved. Would give a flying F if otherwise.
You b!tches know Navalny’s only crime was to run for President and gain vast support but your are kremlin propagandist so go F yourself.
My burn pit victim friend there is only one country in the world that claims it is the shining city on the hill, the exemplar of democracy and freedom. Guess who? It ain’t Russia.
https://afgj.org/politicalprisonersusa
According to Russian TV and russian number one propaganda network, that country you are talking about is Russia
Citation needed. All you need to do is link to one source where Russians claim that they are a beacon of democracy for the world to emulate. You won’t do it, though, because you never backup your load of BS.
“On 17 October 2017, European Court of Human Rights decided that the case of fraud against Alexei and Oleg Navalny on the complaint of the company “Yves Rocher” was considered in Russia with a violation of the right to a fair trial. The court concluded that the verdict was arbitrary and unreasonable. According to the decision of the ECHR, Russia must pay the brothers Navalny 76 thousand euros. The ECHR refused to consider the issue of political motivation. At the same time, three judges of the ECHR – Dmitry Dedov, Helen Keller and Georgios Sergidez – expressed the opinion that it was necessary to consider a possible political background of the case.“
You idiots DO realize we have access to the internet, right? RIGHT!?!
Hey, he is the same guy Putin just had Killed
Are you going to blame that on the US now?
Assange case exposed the criminal nature of US regime
Navalny exposed the criminal nature of your lovely Kremlin.
Waiting on your allegation sources, my kremlin influencer.
To UK Idiots: Free Assange Now…!
The State will only allow the licensed and paid compliant mouth-pieces for the distribution of its propaganda but will not tolerate truth-telling actual journalists and investigators. Its lies and evil oppressions will only end when it ends.
December 22, 2023 WATCH: CIA Loses Motion to Dismiss Lawsuit Against It
Lead attorney Richard Roth of The Roth Law Firm, along with plaintiffs Margaret Ratner Kunstler, a civil rights lawyer, and media lawyer Deborah Hrbek, held a ZOOM press conference on Friday to discuss their victory in our in their lawsuit against the C.I.A. for allegedly violating their Fourth Amendment rights.
https://consortiumnews.com/2023/12/22/watch-cia-loses-motion-to-dismiss-lawsuit-against-it/
https://consortiumnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/ASSANGE-LAWYERS-CIA-CASE-MOVES-AHEAD-copy.jpeg
I wonder if amnesty will even acknowledge the death of Navalny.
Killed by Putin.
EDIT.
The antiwar movement is trapped with the news of Navalny’s death.
A lot of damage control to work on.
Or none, they don’t fcking care.
It’s not anti US news.🤷🏽♂️
Fck you Putin and your sick supporters.
We will not forget your killing of Navalny.
FU FU FU.
https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2024/02/russia-prisoner-of-conscience-aleksei-navalny-kremlins-most-vocal-opponent-dies-in-custody/
Oh behalf of Dave DeCamp because he forgot to write about Navalny’s death today.
Rest in Peace, Alexei Navalny.
You are a true HERO. Truth will give you Justice.
Jailed by Putin, Russian opposition figure Alexey Navalny dies in prison. He was 47 years old.
https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2024/02/russia-prisoner-of-conscience-aleksei-navalny-kremlins-most-vocal-opponent-dies-in-custody/
Day X is here!
Check out the link >>https://stellaassangeofficial.substack.com/p/20-21-feb-what-to-expect?publication_id=800783&post_id=141788957&isFreemail=true&r=1h688z << 20-21 Feb. What to Expect. Day X is here! Julian Assange’s Final Appeal at the Royal Courts of Justice. STELLA ASSANGE FEB 19, 2024 The new public hearing dates are upon us. We will be gathering outside the Royal Courts of Justice on Tuesday and Wednesday, 20-21 February. It may be the final chance for the UK to stop Julian’s extradition. Location: Royal Courts of Justice Time: 8:30 am GMT On Wed 21 Feb, there will be a march to Downing St after the hearing. Here’s what to expect on the two days. Watch the trailer here. Meet our presenters that will be live outside the Royal Courts of Justice: Please come by and say hi and give us a little interview for our livestream! Wear your support. Show your support. JADC (The Committee to Defend Julian Assange), one of the oldest grassroots groups here in the UK will be helping us to sell T-shirts, bags, badges and our new hoodies. So, make sure to come by and say hi to Emmy and Jeannie who will be manning our table. There will be speakers throughout the two days! Including: Apsana Begum Tim Dawson John Hendy Richard Burgon Peter Oborne Jeremy Corbyn John McDonnell Zarah Sultana Chris Hedges Andrew Feinstein Andrew Wilkie Tariq Ali Rebecca Vincent Ben Westwood PEN International Clare Daley Mick Wallace Chip Gibbons Here’s how you can help. 1. Use your social media platforms to bring attention to this history defining case. Take a picture of yourself and post it on your socials with this suggested copy and paste social media text: It’s now or never. Free Assange. Free us all. His life and the future of journalism depend on it. Watch the livestream here: http://www.youtube.com/live/LvdTG56Ubdc?si=pctyKVNLAz5NYsU-
#NowOrNever #FreeAssangeNow #Journalismisnotacrime #DayX
2. Participate in our Livestream.Location: Royal Courts of Justice
Time: 8:30 am GMT
On Wed 21 Feb, there will be a march to Downing St after the hearing.
Here’s what to expect on the two days.
Watch the trailer here.
Meet our presenters that will be live outside the Royal Courts of Justice:
Please come by and say hi and give us a little interview for our livestream!
Wear your support. Show your support.
JADC (The Committee to Defend Julian Assange), one of the oldest grassroots groups here in the UK will be helping us to sell T-shirts, bags, badges and our new hoodies. So, make sure to come by and say hi to Emmy and Jeannie who will be manning our table.
There will be speakers throughout the two days! Including:
Apsana Begum
Tim Dawson
John Hendy
Richard Burgon
Peter Oborne
Jeremy Corbyn
John McDonnell
Zarah Sultana
Chris Hedges
Andrew Feinstein
Andrew Wilkie
Tariq Ali
Rebecca Vincent
Ben Westwood
PEN International
Clare Daley
Mick Wallace
Chip Gibbons
Here’s how you can help.
1. Use your social media platforms to bring attention to this history defining case.
Take a picture of yourself and post it on your socials with this suggested copy and paste social media text:
It’s now or never. Free Assange. Free us all. His life and the future of journalism depend on it. Watch the livestream here: http://www.youtube.com/live/LvdTG56Ubdc?si=pctyKVNLAz5NYsU-
#NowOrNever #FreeAssangeNow #Journalismisnotacrime #DayX
2. Participate in our Livestream. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMmRLkUwAeE
Send your videos to our dedicated Telegram channel. Join here.
Upload your videos with these guidelines:
•Film Landscape/Horizontal only (this is for Youtube)
•Tell us your NAME, LOCATION, a little about who you are/what groups you come from and why you’re speaking out for Julian.
•Please don’t use any profanity or show anything obscene etc. We want this to be family friendly.
Share
3. Like, subscribe and share our link for our 24 hour countdown to DAY X and subsequent 2 Day Livestream!
Streaming only on YouTube.com/@StellaAssange and YouTube.com/@AssangeDefense from 8:30am GMT on Mon 19 Feb. Share this link and watch the trailer now here.
In this countdown, we will be providing a complete overview of what my husband, Julian Assange is facing at the two day public hearing that starts on 20 Feb at 8:30 am GMT. It will include special messages from journalists, thought leaders, academics, human right activists and supporters, documentaries, speeches, explainers and never before streamed interviews. It will then be followed by a two day livestream live from London and solidarity protests from all over the world.
4. Spread awareness by changing your profile picture on your platforms.
Use this graphic:
Download Graphics here.
5. Support our fight to free Julian Assange
Contribute to Julian’s legal fees: http://crowdjustice.com/case/assangeappeal…
UK Campaigning costs: http://crowdfunder.co.uk/p/free-assange
USA: https://assangedefense.org/donate/
EU-wide: http://wauland.de/en/donate/moral-courage… (select Julian Assange)
Australia: http://action.assangecampaign.org.au/donate
Send your videos to our dedicated Telegram channel. Join here.
Upload your videos with these guidelines:
•Film Landscape/Horizontal only (this is for Youtube)
•Tell us your NAME, LOCATION, a little about who you are/what groups you come from and why you’re speaking out for Julian.
•Please don’t use any profanity or show anything obscene etc. We want this to be family friendly.
Share
3. Like, subscribe and share our link for our 24 hour countdown to DAY X and subsequent 2 Day Livestream!
Streaming only on YouTube.com/@StellaAssange and YouTube.com/@AssangeDefense from 8:30am GMT on Mon 19 Feb. Share this link and watch the trailer now here.
In this countdown, we will be providing a complete overview of what my husband, Julian Assange is facing at the two day public hearing that starts on 20 Feb at 8:30 am GMT. It will include special messages from journalists, thought leaders, academics, human right activists and supporters, documentaries, speeches, explainers and never before streamed interviews. It will then be followed by a two day livestream live from London and solidarity protests from all over the world.
4. Spread awareness by changing your profile picture on your platforms.
Use this graphic:
Download Graphics here.
5. Support our fight to free Julian Assange
Contribute to Julian’s legal fees: http://crowdjustice.com/case/assangeappeal…
UK Campaigning costs: http://crowdfunder.co.uk/p/free-assange
USA: https://assangedefense.org/donate/
EU-wide: http://wauland.de/en/donate/moral-courage… (select Julian Assange)
Australia: http://action.assangecampaign.org.au/donate https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/62f131f136dc6382af979e34c5a53d189d838162c2431b383e2c27ba33557b13.jpg
Why doesn’t anti war even have one article regarding navalney? Seriously that must be intentional. So why?
We link to three articles on Navalny from the front page. As for original-to-our-site content, there’s a lot less of that on weekends and most of what there is was written before the weekend and scheduled for automatic publication. Especially when the main “assign and post stories and be available 24/7” guy is recovering from recent surgery.
I suspect you’ll start seeing commentary pieces related to Navalny here over the next day or two. I don’t know if my own op-ed column on the subject will run at Antiwar.com, but if you’re interested you can find that one at its source site.
Thanks. Nice article, albeit from the opposite position I would take. Does having US backing preclude someone from ruling effectively in Russia? Navalney actually came back to Russia after being poisoned – and this is what I admire about him most. He knew he was going to be killed or imprisoned indefinitely, and did it any way.
To me, that’s about as dedicated as self immolation. But you make it sound like he was no martyr, but instead another corrupt official not unlike Putin. If that’s the case, what cause in your estimation was worth navalney dying for?
“you make it sound like he was no martyr, but instead another corrupt official not unlike Putin”
Weird. I didn’t intend to make it sound like that, and on a re-reading of my own words I can’t figure out how anyone would hear that in what I wrote.
I don’t claim to know whether he was 100% conscientious opposition political activist, 100% con man, or some combination of the two.
I also have no way of knowing what his risk assessments were vis a vis indefinite imprisonment and/or murder when he decided to return. For all I know, he unrealistically expected a popular uprising that would free him and depose Putin. He wouldn’t be the first person on either side of a political conflict to miscalculate in that way.
He’s certainly a martyr — once one is dead, martyrdom is entirely up to others as an evaluation/usage, and he will absolutely be used that way. And maybe he intended it that way, or not.
In any case, my column wasn’t about whether Navalny was honest or dishonest, a crook or a martyr, etc. It was about the weirdness of the US choosing him as the Russian oppositionist to promote and applaud. Until the last decade, his foreign policy line was, pretty much, “Putin, only more so.” I don’t see much reason to believe that line would have changed if he’d been successful in that earlier era, so it’s odd that the US would pick him to elevate in the later era.
Antiwar staff the AI spam filter has placed an action alert by Stella Assange into moderation.
Thanks for letting me know. It appears that you tried to post it 13 hours ago, but it hadn’t shown up in the spam filter as of about 9 hours ago when I went to bed. That happens sometimes — comments held as spam actually just disappear for a little while. Anyway, it’s been approved and should be visible now.