John Shipton, the father of incarcerated Australian journalist Julian Assange, is calling on the Australian government to leverage its diplomatic ties with the United States and the United Kingdom to secure his son’s freedom. Assange, known for his work with WikiLeaks, is currently held in a London prison, contesting extradition to the US on 18 criminal charges.
Speaking from a rally in London, Shipton emphasized the urgent need for Australia to exert pressure on the UK and the US to facilitate Assange’s return. He proposed diplomatic measures such as restricting access to consulate buildings as a means of signaling Australia’s commitment to securing Assange’s release.
Despite the challenges, Shipton remains steadfast in his belief that Assange will eventually return home to Australia. Recent interactions with his son, albeit over the phone, revealed concerns about Assange’s health, underscoring the toll of prolonged stress and incarceration.
Meanwhile, Assange’s legal team continues to mount a robust defense against extradition in London’s Royal Courts of Justice. While a final judgement is pending, Shipton expressed optimism about the prospect of an appeal being granted to Assange.
The extradition case has garnered significant attention, with federal parliament recently voting in favor of a motion urging the US and the UK to cease prosecution and allow Assange’s return to Australia. However, the motion faced opposition from the Coalition, highlighting the polarizing nature of Assange’s legal battle.
Many view Assange’s potential extradition as a threat to press freedom, prompting concerns about the chilling effect on journalism worldwide. Shipton hailed the parliamentary motion as a crucial step forward in advocating for Assange’s repatriation and stressed the importance of international cooperation in achieving this goal.
As the legal saga unfolds, the plight of Julian Assange continues to galvanize support and scrutiny, amplifying debates surrounding press freedom, government transparency, and the rule of law.