Aethereal Appeal

Press freedom stands at a pivotal juncture, exemplified by the extradition case of Julian Assange, the visionary behind Wikileaks. It’s imperative to reiterate: journalism is not a crime. Uncovering government malfeasance is not an offense; it’s an act of valor. Julian Assange’s freedom is not just a matter of legal technicalities; it’s about recognizing his invaluable service to humanity. It requires immense courage to challenge the veneer of infallibility that cloaks governments, particularly the United States.

It’s essential to contextualize Assange’s actions within the broader landscape of journalism and freedom of the Press. Major media outlets like The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Guardian have all disseminated similar redacted documents without facing the specter of espionage charges and the looming threat of the death penalty, as Assange does. This glaring discrepancy raises poignant questions about the selective prosecution of truth-seekers.

…One who dares to expose the corruption of a few will then become a sacrificial lamb..

Julian Assange’s pioneering role in digital journalism, notably through Wikileaks since its inception on October 4, 2006, signifies a watershed moment in the evolution of modern media within the digital age. However, his persecution also reveals a grim reality: one who dares to expose the corruption of a few will then become a sacrificial lamb. Since the publication of the documents through his site and its implications has made him many powerful enemies. While individuals responsible for perpetuating wars, economic exploitation, social divisions, and even genocide roam free, Assange languishes in solitary confinement, his fate hanging precariously in the balance.

At the moment, Julian Assange is incarcerated in solitary confinement in London’s Belmarsh prison since 2019. Julian faces extradition to the United States under the Espionage Act, potentially subjecting him to a staggering 175 years behind bars and the death penalty. His alleged crime? Publishing classified documents that exposed U.S. war crimes in U.S. war crimes in Iraq and Afghanistan some fifteen years ago.

The impending extradition decision by British High Court judges adds another layer of uncertainty to his plight, albeit with a slender ray of hope resting on the possibility of intervention by the European Court of Human Rights considering that the British Government signed an extradition order in 2022. Should the British High Court withhold the extradition of Julian Assange, it would place the UK at the forefront of this battle against a free press in the Western world.

Still with the looming specter of the death penalty, coupled with the political machinations surrounding his case, underscores the relentless persecution he faces. Julian’s alignment with certain political figures, notably during the 2016 U.S. presidential campaign, further complicates the narrative, highlighting the murky intersections of power and influence.

What an awful punishment to be subjected to! And do recall that Julian Assange seemingly allied himself with Donald Trump during his 2016 campaign which the Wikileaks helped tremendously by revealing the collusion between the media and the Democrat National Committee as well as with the Hillary Clinton campaign. Julian went as far as doing an interview on Fox News, Hannity, where he was able to discuss the mysterious death of Seth Rich. Yet all these disclosures which aided Donald Trump and his campaign bore no good fruits for Julian Assange because when Donald Trump became President, he wouldn’t pardon Julian based upon (in my opinion) the guidance of Mike Pompeo. Mike Pompeo was the one who co-signed on the kidnapping and assassination plot also, crazy right?

Furthermore, revelations of this sinister plot by the U.S. government to abduct and assassinate Julian Assange cast a long shadow of distrust. In the words of investigative reporter, Michael Isikoff, who wrote the piece for Yahoo news, ‘Kidnapping, assassination and a London Shootout’ he says,

“..what really set Mike Pompeo, the new CIA director, off was that Vault 7 leak. This was on his watch. This was his agency. And while Pompeo had been somewhat dismissive of the Russia allegations and Assange’s role in that, the Vault 7 leak focused his energies on getting back at WikiLeaks and Assange, at dismantling the organization.”

Despite the grave implications of the Wikileak disclosures, Julian deserves accolades, not condemnation and definitely not the death penalty. His unwavering commitment to truth-telling serves as a beacon of hope in a world plagued by misinformation, propaganda and deceit. It’s incumbent upon those of us that believe in freedom and accountability to rally behind brave hearts like Julian Assange, who dare to shine a light on the darkest corners of power, regardless of the personal cost.

To conclude, the animosity and vitriol directed towards Julian Assange stems from a fundamental discomfort with the truth he unveils. His revelations lay bare the inconvenient truths of global power dynamics, puncturing the illusion of benevolent hegemony propagated by the powerful few. As we navigate this turbulent era, Julian Assange’s saga serves as a stark reminder of the perilous nexus between truth and power, and the indispensable role of journalism in holding the powerful to account.

Below is a video of an Australian interview with Julian Assange from 11 years ago that allows him to provide context from his perspective. It gives precisely the insight needed to understand how this tale has unfolded up until this point in time. It serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of dissent and the enduring relevance of Julian Assange’s mission in an ever-evolving media landscape.