April 11th marks two years since Julian Assange has been held in maximum security Belmarsh prison in London for his work as a publisher.
Mark this week by calling at least one of your local representatives and demanding they speak up about Julian Assange’s case which has profoundly dangerous implications not only for Assange but also for the freedom of expression and the press.
We encourage you to video and upload your call as this will encourage others to do likewise – the campaign will promote the best recordings
If you are in the UK contact your Local MP, Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Home Secretary.
This is the recommended UK Script:
Hello –
I am calling to express my extreme concern about the situation of Julian Assange. His prosecution is a huge threat to all publishers and our rights to hold foreign and domestic governments to account. All major newspapers and Human Rights organizations, from the Telegraph and Guardian to Amnesty International oppose this prosecution.
My family and I are very angry about this issue and want it stopped now.
If you are in the United States contact your Local Congressman, State Senator, The White House, Department of Justice.
This is the recommended US Script:
Hello –
I am calling to express my extreme concern about the situation of Julian Assange.
His prosecution is huge threat to all publishers, and to citizens’ rights to hold government accountable. It is a very dangerous violation of the first amendment, which if allowed to continue would fundamentally change the relationship between citizens and the state. All major newspapers and Human Rights organizations, from the New York Times to Amnesty International oppose this prosecution.
My family and I are very angry about this issue and want it stopped now.
If you are in Australia contact your MP, Senator, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
This is the recommended Australian Script:
Hello –
I am calling to express my extreme concern about the situation of Julian Assange. His prosecution is a huge threat to all publishers and our rights to hold foreign and domestic governments to account. The editors of the New York Times, Washington Post and all major freedom of speech and Human Rights organizations oppose this prosecution.
My family and I are very angry about this issue and want it stopped now. Tell Scott Morrison to make the call and bring our boy home before its too late.
If you are in France contact the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.
This is the recommended French Script:
Bonjour –
Je vous contacte pour relayer et exprimer mon extrême inquiétude face à la situation de Julian Assange. Sa persécution est une énorme menace pour tous les éditeurs et pour nos droits de demander des comptes aux gouvernements étrangers et nationaux. Tous les principaux journaux et organisations de défense des droits, Le Monde au Mediapart à Amnesty International, s’opposent à ces poursuites.
Ma famille et moi sommes très en colère contre cette persécution et voulons qu’elle cesse immédiatement.
Extraditing Assange to the US has been opposed by all major newspapers including The Washington Post, New York Times, The Guardian, Der Spiegel, Le Monde, El Pais and many more. He faces a sentence of 175 years for exposing war crimes, governmental abuses and corruption.
Despite a 4 January 2021 UK Magistrates Court ruling that his extradition would be oppressive and must be stopped, Assange continues to be denied bail and remains in detention. He has been detained in one form or another for over 10 years – either under house arrest, seven years while under political asylum in London’s Ecuadorian embassy, or for the past two years in Belmarsh Maximum security prison.
Read the timeline of events of Julian Assange’s Expulsion & Arrest.
Due to Covid restrictions Assange has been unable to receive any visitors for more than a year, including his fiancee and two young children. Communication with his lawyers has been difficult and Assange’s ability to prepare for the US appeal against him severely hampered.