Pirate Party Australia condemns Assange being left for dead

With Julian Assange fighting another appeal for extradition from the UK to face charges in the US for exposing evidence of war crimes, the threat of suppressing free and honest journalism has never been more pertinent.

Since his arrest from the Ecuadorian embassy by UK police in April 2019, he has been held prisoner, mostly in London’s Belmarsh correctional facility.

“This is a blatant attack on free journalism, making a mockery of government responsibility, and thwarting accountability for the actions of elected representatives and military operations acting on our behalf”, said John August, Candidate for New South Wales and Pirate Party Australia Treasurer.

Efforts to extradite and prosecute Assange have so far failed, yet the US persists with appeals to keep Julian incarcerated, while his health continues to deteriorate.

Australian government officials continue to turn a blind eye to his plight. His family and legal representatives have made it clear that little effort has been pursued by Australian leaders toward bringing him home.

“Marise Payne, minister for Foreign Affairs, should release an immediate statement condemning the extradition of Julian Assange to the US”, said David Kennedy, civil liberties spokesperson for Pirate Party Australia.

If elected into government, we will place pressure on major parties who have shown blatant disregard for the health and wellbeing of an Australian citizen, still being held on remand in London pending legal appeals regarding his extradition to the US.

Pirate Party Australia supports free and open journalism, and promotes transparency across the actions of our elected representatives. We will continue to work toward a culture of civil liberty, and government transparency.

With your support, we can pursue a future which protects journalistic integrity, freedom of thought, and open discussion.