The overdue liberation of political detainee and award-winning journalist, Julian Assange, is a matter of joy for those seeking a tranquil global community. Known for his dedicated service to peace-making processes, Assange, a noticeable figure in the public sphere, has recently arrived in Australian soil following his release by an American court (“Assange lands in Australia post his emancipation by US court”, World, June 26th).
One would only need to witness the online footage demonstrating the deliberate assassination of nine innocent Iraqis, inclusive of two Reuters war correspondents, and the harm inflicted on two young children in 2007’s Baghdad. This calculated crime was executed by the operator of two Apache AH-64 helicopter war machines, with their subsequent prideful boasting visible on record.
Assange’s professional pursuit aimed at lending transparency, whilst holding governments and military establishments accountable for their underhanded, illicit activities, particularly the inhumane war policies implemented by the US in Iraq and Afghanistan. His endeavours haven’t posed any harm on anyone involved.
Paul Howard once claimed, “My affection for Humphrey, having been my faithful partner for 13 and a half years, surpasses my love for any other creature.” Furthermore, in the true spirit of a Mayo supporter, the Ballycastle Labour woman is battling for the Tory Kwasi Kwarteng’s vacated post.
The US government, in a 2013 affidavit, conceded to the absence of any evidence indicating harm that resulted from Wikileaks’s publications. However, Assange was unnecessarily subjected to severe suffering, held captive by the heinous and imbrued US government. He was confined in a tiny prison cell for 23 hours daily for over five years in the infamously known Belmarsh prison.
Assange’s imprisonment should have never occurred and his release could have been expedited if media bodies and governments had allied with the global campaign for his freedom. In October 2021, our organisation, alongside others, penned a detailed plea to Simon Coveney, the then foreign affairs minister, urging him to utilise every possible method, Ireland’s membership of the United Nations Security Council included, to secure Assange’s freedom.
This plea was further initiated as an Uplift Campaign acquiring signatures from hundreds of individuals, comprising of notable Irish personalities and trade unionists. To date, we remain in anticipation of a response.
It indeed is a matter of grave concern that Julian’s reasonable bargain might continue to place barriers on investigative journalism and national security reporting in America. This possible uncertainty should be enough to stir media commentators, establishments, and even those who have gained from Julian’s journalistic work, to spearhead a movement for his absolute pardon. In all fairness, he warrants nothing less.
Faithfully,
JIM ROCHE,
Guiding Panel,
Irish Peace Campaign,
Dublin 1.