A Brave Internationalist
Julian Assange’s seizure and kidnapping from the Ecuadorian Embassy in London provided a brief diversion from unfolding Brexit drama in Little Britain. A physically ill and weak yet resolute Assange was dragged away after 9 years asylum there .
Julian Assange was hunted for his role in the Wikileaks disclosures and for publishing 750,000 documents obtained by U.S. intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning. Not only was the quantum of secrets astounding and a source of great embarrassment in itself but some of video footage of airborne massacre and assassinations of innocent civilians in Afghanistan and Iraq caused an outcry internationally.
In response to Assange’s role , a secret, U.S. Grand Jury indictment awaits him when is renditioned to the U.S.A. Following the Wikileaks release, billionaire press commentators and politicians in the U.S. had called for his assassination.
Grand Jury trials are historically used to intimidate and persecute people. Defendants have no right to a lawyer. Additionally, there is total secrecy, public or no media allowed. The prosecution presents evidence against the accused who has no right to question or present evidence in response . The U.S.A has no mercy for its opponents and dissidents. Witness the treatment of Black Panthers (after 47 years), Puerto Rico political prisoners and the Cuban Five all languishing in jails in the U.S.A .
As an Australian citizen and journalist, one would expect the same vigorous support by the Australian Government for Assange , that they gave to journalist Peter Greste . The Gillard ALP and subsequent governments turned down Assange’s requests for assistance. No surprise about their response of “we are currently offering full consular assistance”. Bugger all, that is ! This is to be expected from the descendants of the “Deputy Sheriff” who took Australia to war in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Julian Assange has support from people in Australia and around the world for his stand . He must be released and returned to his home in Australia.
