US government must end its pursuit of Julian Assange
NUJ members can show their opposition to the United States’ efforts to extradite Julian Assange by attending demonstrations in London on 20 and 21 February.
Julian Assange’s hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice on 20 and 21 February will consider an appeal against the UK’s decision to extradite him, and a previous ruling by Judge Baraitser in January 2021 rejecting arguments presented by Assange’s legal team on why he must not be extradited. These included that Assange’s prosecution would violate his right to free speech and that a fair trial would not be possible.
NUJ members can show their opposition to Assange’s extradition by joining others outside the Royal Courts of Justice at 8.30am on 20 and 21 February.
The NUJ and International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) have called for all charges against Assange to be dropped, noting the chilling effect his possible 175-year sentence would have on journalists. Michelle Stanistreet, NUJ general secretary, condemned the “UK’s complicity through its approval of his extradition” highlighting “journalists have voiced their disbelief at wider ramifications for journalism and the ability to publish public interest stories involving the US government if their dogged pursuit continues any longer.”
Dominique Pradalié, IFJ president said:
“I have twice met with Julian Assange in Belmarsh and it is clear to me that he has suffered grievously for far too long. In April he will have spent five years in a British prison despite having been convicted of nothing. The actions for which the US is seeking prosecution are clearly journalistic. The conviction of Julian Assange would threaten us all.”
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Read the latest on Assange’s case by Tim Dawson, IFJ deputy general secretary.