Outrageous Detention: Friends of Julian Assange Protest for Freedom Outside UK Courts
Supporters of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange have staged a bike protest outside the UK courts, calling his ongoing prison detention outrageous. Former UK ambassador to Uzbekistan Craig Murray led the demonstration outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, vowing to continue fighting for Assange’s freedom. Around 40 bike riders joined Murray, setting off from Belmarsh Prison and passing through iconic London landmarks. They presented Murray with the Walkley Award, an Australian honor recognizing Assange’s excellence in journalism. Signs and yellow ribbons demanding his release were displayed outside the courts.
Assange has been held in prison for over four years while battling extradition efforts by the US government. He fears a lifetime behind bars if sent to the US. One protester dressed as the grim reaper, holding a sign that read RIP British Justice, 1215-2021. Murray denounced the US government’s claim of being able to apprehend individuals worldwide as an outrage. He emphasized Australia’s strong support for bringing their citizen home.
The protesters aim to remind the judges that Assange is a highly-decorated journalist and warn that prosecuting him may endanger press freedom. The fate of Assange’s final appeal against extradition to the US is pending a decision by the High Court in the UK. The US government aims to utilize its 1917 Espionage Act against a journalist for the first time. A cross-party delegation of Australian lawmakers is currently in the US, seeking support for Assange’s release, and has held constructive talks with the Justice Department.
In summary, friends of Julian Assange have rallied in protest outside UK courts, condemning his ongoing prison detention as outrageous. Demonstrators, including former UK ambassador Craig Murray, embarked on a bike ride, presenting Assange’s representative with the prestigious Walkley Award. The protesters seek to remind judges of Assange’s journalistic achievements and warn of the potential dangers to press freedom if he is prosecuted. Assange’s final appeal against extradition to the US is eagerly awaited, with the American government attempting to employ the Espionage Act against a journalist for the first time.
