Australian politicians call for release of Julian Assange
Australia’s parliament has adopted a resolution urging the United States and the United Kingdom to release Julian Assange, in anticipation of a pivotal legal hearing.
Assange is set to appear before the UK’s High Court next week for his final appeal against extradition to the US.
The Australian national, currently detained in London’s Belmarsh Prison, is sought by the US on charges of espionage, carrying a potential sentence of up to 175 years.
Australian MPs voted 86-42 in favour of Assange’s repatriation.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who endorsed the resolution, has been pressing for a resolution to the Assange case since assuming office in 2022. He broached the topic directly with US President Joe Biden during a state visit in October.
This initiative followed a bipartisan delegation of Australian MPs travelling to Washington to advocate for Assange’s release.
The founder of WikiLeaks is wanted for his involvement in the publication of thousands of classified documents in 2010 and 2011, which US authorities allege violated the law and put lives at risk.
Assange has consistently contended that the charges against him are politically motivated. His legal team has warned of the risk of his suicide if extradited to the US.