Breaking News: Australian Parliament Votes to Bring Assange Home
In a groundbreaking development, Members of Parliament (MPS) in Australia have voted to urge the return home of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange. The Australian whistleblower has spent the last five years imprisoned in Britain, battling to stop extradition to the United States. Assange is wanted in the US to face Espionage charges over WikiLeaks’ publication of classified documents.
High Court Ruling Looms
High Court judges in London are due to issue a ruling next week on whether Assange will lose his appeal against extradition. This ruling will send a very powerful political signal to both the British and US governments. It emphasizes that the British government should not entertain the idea of extraditing Assange to the US.
The vote by the Australian Parliament sends a clear message to Washington as well. It demonstrates that Australia stands united in saying that this matter has gone on for far too long. Regardless of what one may think of Assange personally, it is evident that justice is not being served in this case.
Expert Opinion: Jeffrey Robertson
Jeffrey Robertson, a human rights Barrister and former legal advisor to Julian Assange, shared his insights on the matter. He joins us from Melbourne, Australia.
When asked about the impact of the Australian Parliament’s call, Robertson responded informally, saying, “Will it have any effect on the Pentagon that wants to kill him? No.” He views the motion as a wakeup call to Australia’s greatest ally, the United States.
He emphasizes the lengthy ordeal that Assange has endured, spending nine years in an embassy and five years in prison. According to Robertson, “That’s 14 years, and what has he done? He’s published details that were available to 3 million servicemen and officials about American policy and war crimes committed by the US.”
Robertson believes that Assange has suffered enough, and this is the view shared by Australians. He criticizes the British judges for their delayed handling of the case, stating that it will likely take even longer for a resolution. After the British judges announce their decision next week, Assange has the possibility of appealing to the Supreme Court. If that option is not available, he can go to the European Court of Human Rights and seek an interim order to prevent extradition to the US.
Potential Conflict within the American Administration
Robertson suggests that there may be conflict within the American Administration regarding Assange’s fate. He mentions that some advisors to President Biden may wish to reach an accommodation with their great ally, Australia. However, the Pentagon, led by unreconstructed cold war warriors, insists on punishing Assange as a deterrent to other whistleblowers.
Robertson draws a parallel to a previous case involving an Australian named David Hicks, who was the only white man left in Guantanamo Bay. The Australian government was able to negotiate a deal for Hicks, allowing him to plead to a lesser charge and secure his release.
Is a Deal Possible?
When discussing the likelihood of a similar deal for Assange, Robertson acknowledges that it ultimately depends on the individual. He suggests that Assange, like anyone else, would be tempted to escape a prison filled with violent offenders and the constant threat of COVID-19. Returning to his two children and loyal wife in Australia would be extremely tempting, and he may even consider pleading guilty to a lesser charge to satisfy the American authorities.
Robertson notes the hypocrisy of the American government, claiming to be the home of free speech while prosecuting Assange at great expense. He highlights that they dare not prosecute major media outlets like The New York Times, which have published much of Assange’s work.
While it remains a complex and sensitive issue, Robertson speculates that all sides could potentially find satisfaction if Assange agrees to plead guilty to a minor offense and is released or sent home.
Conclusion
The recent vote by MPS in Australia carries significant weight in the ongoing battle to secure Julian Assange’s return home. It highlights the growing frustration with the prolonged legal proceedings and emphasizes the need for justice to be served. While the future remains uncertain, the Australian Parliament’s call serves as a powerful statement that Julian Assange has suffered enough and deserves resolution in his case.
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