The other day, US President Joe Biden made an off the cough remarks that “they are considering the case of WikiLeaks activists Julian Assange. As he did not offer any explanation to his remarks, the world is watching as the US president says he is contemplates dropping charges against the free press activist – Julian Assange.
An Australian national, Mr. Assange, currently resides in Belmarsh Prison in the United Kingdom, awaiting a British court ruling regarding his potential appeal against a 2022 extradition order to the United States. This order stems from allegations related to the publication of classified U.S. government and diplomatic documents in 2010. The court is set to deliver its decision on May 20. However, Mr Albanese’s plea to President Biden could render this court decision moot. Mr Assange, aged 52, has already endured significant hardship while seeking asylum and being under arrest. His family reports that he is suffering from illness and anxiety regarding the prospect of extradition. Additionally, Mr Assange has faced legal challenges, including a Swedish warrant for alleged rape and assault, though these charges were subsequently dropped.
This is not just about the fate of one man; it is a critical juncture for press freedom and government accountability. There several reasons that dismissing the case against Assange is essential, and one of them is protecting investigating journalism and the right to free speech. Several years ago, when WikiLeaks’ publications, deemed controversial by the US, exposed war crimes and government overreach, it changed the worldview towards the US and the West. Charging Assange under the Espionage Act sets a dangerous precedent. Journalists everywhere could face similar charges for simply publishing leaked information, chilling investigative reporting.
This is a case of transparency, an essential pillar of democracy. The US champions itself as a beacon of democracy. Yet, prosecuting Assange for revealing classified information contradicts that narrative. A free press plays a vital role in holding governments accountable. Suppressing information undermines public trust and democratic principles.
The case of Julian Assange is a perfect, textbook case of selective justice. Why persecute the publisher, Assange, but not the source, Chelsea Manning? This inconsistency exposes the case as an attack on whistleblowing and transparency, not genuine national security concerns.
If the US drops charged against the prisoner of conscience, it will set a good example by the Biden government. President Biden’s stated priority is protecting democracy worldwide. Dropping charges against Assange would be a powerful statement. The US can demonstrate its commitment to a free press and open discourse, not silencing those who expose uncomfortable truths.
Julian Assange may not be a perfect figure, but his case transcends him. It is about the fundamental right of a free press to hold power to account. By dismissing the charges, the US can show it truly values democratic ideals and transparency, not just pay lip service to them.
