The Campaign to Free Julian Assange
UN Special Rapporteur: US extradition of Assange would be violation of international law
By Oscar Grenfell, 6 April 2019
The Ecuadorian regime, and its co-conspirators in the British and US governments, are engaged in a sordid and illegal conspiracy to terminate the political asylum of the WikiLeaks founder.
Supporters oppose eviction of Julian Assange outside London’s Ecuadorian embassy
By Paul Mitchell, 6 April 2019
Defenders of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange gathered outside the Ecuadorian embassy in central London yesterday, after a warning that he faces eviction from the building where he sought political asylum in 2012 “within hours to days.”
Defend Julian Assange!
Statement of the Socialist Equality Party (Australia), 6 April 2019
The Socialist Equality Party (Australia) condemns the stepped-up preparations to expel Julian Assange from London’s Ecuadorian embassy and to force him into the custody of the British police. WikiLeaks reported today that it has information, from a source in the Ecuadorian state, that Assange’s eviction from the building, where he sought asylum in 2012, will occur “within hours or days.”
WikiLeaks warns that Julian Assange faces imminent eviction from Ecuador’s London embassy
By Oscar Grenfell, 5 April 2019
The publisher warned that a “high-level source” within the Ecuadorian state had information that Assange would be expelled from the building and taken into British custody “within hours or days.”
US journalist exposes Julian Assange’s prison-like conditions
By Oscar Grenfell, 29 March 2019
Prevented from holding a meeting with the journalist, Assange defiantly protested and condemned Ecuadorian officials for operating as “agents of the US government.”
Free Julian Assange and Chelsea Manning!
By Andre Damon, 28 March 2019
The fate of these political prisoners must be a focus of attention of the entire working class and all those who defend democratic rights.
Plantation workers demand freedom for Julian Assange and Chelsea Manning and for jailed Maruti Suzuki workers
By our correspondent, 21 March 2019
Last Sunday’s conference in Sri Lanka’s central hills district endorsed resolutions condemning the persecution of Assange, Manning and Maruti-Suzuki workers in India.
“Free Chelsea Manning and Julian Assange now!”
Support continues to pour in for Julian Assange and Chelsea Manning
By our reporters, 16 March 2019
Students and workers across the United States and internationally continue to speak out against the jailing of whistleblower Chelsea Manning and the ongoing persecution of WikiLeaks publisher Julian Assange.
James Cogan to participate in Unity4J online forum to defend Assange and Manning
Watch from Friday, 4 p.m., US eastern time, Saturday: 7 a.m., Australian eastern time
15 March 2019
The vindictive re-imprisonment of Chelsea Manning underscores the urgency of the fight to free Julian Assange from his arbitrary detention by the British government.
IYSSE holds rally at University of Michigan to defend Chelsea Manning
By the International Youth and Students for Social Equality at University of Michigan, 14 March 2019
The rally at the University of Michigan advanced an international strategy to mobilize youth, students and the broadest layers of the working class against the imprisonment of Chelsea Manning.
Voices at the London Solidarity Vigil in defence of Julian Assange and Chelsea Manning
“We owe so much to Julian Assange and WikiLeaks”
By our reporters, 13 March 2019
WSWS reporters spoke to some of those attending Saturday’s Solidarity Vigil outside the Ecuadorean embassy in London to demand freedom for Julian Assange and Chelsea Manning.
Workers and young people speak out at Melbourne rally to free Assange and Manning
By our reporters, 12 March 2019
“If Julian doesn’t receive freedom, if Chelsea Manning is not released, then we are going down a slippery slope.”
Chris Marsden at Solidarity Vigil for Julian Assange
“Britain now plays the key role in the conspiracy to silence Julian Assange once and for all”
By Chris Marsden, 12 March 2019
This speech was delivered by Socialist Equality Party (UK) National Secretary Chris Marsden at the Solidarity Vigil for Julian Assange held outside the Ecuadorian Embassy in London on March 10.
Emmy Butlin at London rally to defend Assange
“We need international solidarity to bring about a positive outcome in this struggle for freedom for Julian Assange”
12 March 2019
This speech was delivered by Emmy Butlin of the Julian Assange Defence Committee at the Solidarity Vigil for Julian Assange held outside the Ecuadorian Embassy in London, on March 10.
Free Chelsea Manning!
By Andre Damon, 11 March 2019
Chelsea Manning and WikiLeaks publisher Julian Assange are class-war prisoners, whose freedom depends on the mobilization of the working class.
Melbourne rally calls on workers and youth to defend Assange and Manning
By our reporters, 11 March 2019
James Cogan declared that “the fight to free Assange must become part of all the actions by workers.”
Vigil outside London Ecuadorian embassy demands freedom for Julian Assange and Chelsea Manning
By our reporters, 11 March 2019
A spirited rally was held yesterday outside the Ecuadorean embassy in London, called by the Julian Assange Defence Committee and supported by the Socialist Equality Party (UK) and World Socialist Web Site.
Whistleblower Chelsea Manning jailed for refusing to testify against Julian Assange
By Mike Head, 8 March 2019
A federal judge ordered Manning to prison Friday on contempt charges for refusing to provide testimony against WikiLeaks and its publisher Julian Assange.
Support builds for Melbourne March 10 rally to demand freedom for Assange
By our reporters, 8 March 2019
The SEP and IYSSE have won the backing of workers, young people and students for the March 10 Melbourne rally to demand the freedom of WikiLeaks’ founder Julian Assange.
US court upholds subpoena of whistleblower Chelsea Manning
By James Cogan, 6 March 2019
The subpoena is an escalation of the US government’s efforts to extradite Julian Assange, and a new and vindictive persecution of Manning.
“Julian Assange is a significant international citizen who has made a stand for truth-telling”
Address by Emeritus Professor Stuart Rees to the Sydney Free Assange rally
By Professor Stuart Rees, 6 March 2019
When the controversy about Julian first started, a Republican senator from New York, King, said: “Why doesn’t somebody take a gun and shoot the son-of-a-bitch? I know it’s illegal, but it would be wonderful for Americans’ freedom if that happens.”
IYSSE (Australia) convenor Oscar Grenfell’s speech to the Sydney Free Assange rally
By Oscar Grenfell, 6 March 2019
“They’re persecuting Julian Assange because they know how much he and WikiLeaks have done to politically educate an entire generation of young people.”
More voices from the Sydney Free Assange rally and Brisbane Livestream meeting
By our reporters, 6 March 2019
“We need to demand of the government, ‘what are you going to do to assist Julian now?’ We should not be beating around the bush because his life is in danger.”
The political lessons of the March 3 Free Assange rally
By the Socialist Equality Party (Australia) Political Committee, 5 March 2019
The demonstration in Sydney won broad support on the basis of mobilising the working class to defend democratic rights and class war prisoners such as Julian Assange.
Media Serve the Governors, Not the Governed
Speech by Joe Lauria, March 3, 2019
By Joe Lauria, 5 March 2019
Joe Lauria, the editor-in-chief of Consortium News, delivered this speech to the rally organised by the Socialist Equality Party in Sydney to demand the freedom of Julian Assange.
Opening remarks to March 3 Sydney rally by Socialist Equality Party leader, Linda Tenenbaum
Hundreds defy slanders, lies and media censorship to demand freedom for Julian Assange
By Linda Tenenbaum, 5 March 2019
Julian Assange has never been charged with a crime; he has an Australian passport; he is an Australian citizen and, as such, the Morrison government is obligated to defend his democratic rights.
Workers and youth speak out at Free Assange rally in Sydney
By our reporters, 5 March 2019
“People want to bring him home so he can continue his work of bringing these corporate and government criminals to justice.”
Freedom for Julian Assange depends upon the intervention of the working class
Speech by James Cogan, March 3, 2019
By James Cogan, 4 March 2019
The following speech was delivered by Socialist Equality Party National Secretary, James Cogan, to the SEP’s March 3 rally at Sydney’s Martin Place to free Julian Assange.
Sydney rally issues strong demand for the freedom of Julian Assange
By our reporters, 4 March 2019
James Cogan declared: “We are sending a clear message to Julian Assange today and he will hear it—you are not alone, you have not been abandoned, you have not been forgotten. You will be freed.”
“Julian Assange will never obey Big Brother”
Speech by John Pilger, March 3, 2019
By John Pilger, 4 March 2019
John Pilger gave this speech at a rally organised by the Socialist Equality Party for Julian Assange in Sydney on 3 March.
US Federal Court subpoenas whistleblower Chelsea Manning
By Matthew Brennan, 2 March 2019
The subpoena provides no information as to what prosecutors intend to ask Manning, but all indications are that it is part of an effort by the US Department of Justice to escalate its pursuit of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange.
Video: SEP national secretary James Cogan urges maximum participation in Free Julian Assange rallies
2 March 2019
Cogan demanded the Australian government answer why it does not accept the UN ruling that Julian Assange is being ‘arbitrarily detained.’
Joe Lauria, editor-in-chief of Consortium News, endorses Free Assange demonstrations
2 March 2019
“Supporting Assange and WikiLeaks is supporting the people against the state.”
Greetings from the Sri Lankan Abbotsleigh Estate Workers Action Committee to the Assange defence rallies in Australia
2 March 2019
Tea plantation workers struggling for decent working conditions have expressed their solidarity with the fight to free WikiLeaks publisher Julian Assange.
Australian government refuses to defend Julian Assange
By Oscar Grenfell, 1 March 2019
In a Senate committee hearing, Foreign Minister Marise Payne reiterated the government’s refusal to secure the freedom of the persecuted WikiLeaks founder.
Cohen assertions are not evidence of WikiLeaks “collusion” with Trump or Russia
By James Cogan, 28 February 2019
If Roger Stone did tell Trump he talked with Julian Assange, then Stone was lying.
Australian filmmaker Curtis Levy demands freedom for Julian Assange
28 February 2019
Veteran documentarian Curtis Levy speaks out in defence of the WikiLeaks publisher and freedom of the press.
Australian workers and youth support March 3 and March 10 rallies demanding freedom for Assange
By our reporters, 28 February 2019
“I’m going on March 3 and I think everyone should come because we need to take action to free Assange and end war.”
Australian media union complicit in the persecution of Julian Assange
By Oscar Grenfell, 27 February 2019
The MEAA claims to defend journalists, but only those who have not fallen afoul of the US and Australian governments and the major media conglomerates with which it collaborates.
Terry Hicks, father of former Guantanamo prisoner David Hicks, speaks on the defence of Julian Assange
26 February 2019
Terry Hicks, who waged a determined five-year battle to secure his son’s release from Guantanamo Bay and repatriation to Australia, spoke out on the campaign to free the WikiLeaks publisher.
Australian teachers pass workplace motion endorsing Free Assange rallies
By our reporters, 26 February 2019
The motion was moved by a member of the Committee For Public Education (CFPE), which is actively promoting and campaigning for the demonstrations on March 3 and March 10.
SEP national secretary James Cogan calls for maximum participation in rallies to free Julian Assange
25 February 2019
Cogan explains the connection between the fight for Assange’s freedom and the fight against the escalating government attacks in every country against freedom of the press and other basic democratic rights.
Attend March 10 Solidarity Vigil in London for Julian Assange
By Robert Stevens, 25 February 2019
The SEP (UK) calls on all defenders of civil liberties and democratic rights, all opponents of imperialist wars for regime change, to attend the March 10 vigil and make it known in your workplaces, campuses and schools.
The working class and the fight to free Julian Assange
By James Cogan, 23 February 2019
The persecution of Assange is the spearhead of a global offensive against freedom of speech and for censorship of oppositional voices on the internet.
Elizabeth Vos, editor-in-chief of Disobedient Media, urges support for Free Assange demonstrations in Australia
23 February 2019
“We are collectively obligated to protect the ‘rebel library of Alexandria’ that Assange and others have built.”
Authorities confirm Assange’s Australian passport was renewed last October
By James Cogan, 22 February 2019
News that the WikiLeaks publisher’s passport was renewed last October does not reduce by one iota the danger that he confronts.
Australian youth defend WikiLeaks and support demonstrations to free Julian Assange
By our reporters, 20 February 2019
“I’m going to come to the rally to defend freedom of speech and freedom of the press”—Adam, University of NSW.
Support for Assange and SEP Australia demonstrations evokes strong international response
By James Cogan, 19 February 2019
In less than 48 hours, Roger Waters’ statement has been retweeted from his Twitter account 2,700 times and “liked” over 5,800 times.
John Pilger calls for participation in demonstrations to demand the freedom of Julian Assange
18 February 2019
John Pilger, journalist, filmmaker and outspoken opponent of militarism and injustice, will be one of the main speakers at the demonstration in Sydney.
SEP national secretary James Cogan participates in Unity4J discussion on the defence of Julian Assange
By our reporters, 16 February 2019
Cogan explained why the SEP has called demonstrations demanding the freedom of Julian Assange, as well as the broader campaign by the WSWS against internet censorship.
Award-winning journalist Chris Hedges endorses Free Assange demonstrations in Australia
16 February 2019
“It is imperative that we pressure the Australian government to make sure its citizen, Julian Assange, is protected from the lawlessness of the American empire.”
SEP (Australia) national secretary James Cogan to speak tomorrow on Unity4J online vigil
By our reporters, 15 February 2019
Cogan will be interviewed about the demonstrations called by the Socialist Equality Party to demand the freedom of WikiLeaks publisher Julian Assange, and the broader campaign being waged by the WSWS against internet censorship.
Sydney meeting opposes persecution of Julian Assange
By our reporters, 15 February 2019
The event was addressed by Consortium News editor Joe Lauria, SEP national secretary James Cogan and other prominent WikiLeaks defenders.
Human rights advocate Professor Stuart Rees supports rallies for the freedom of Julian Assange
15 February 2019
“Julian Assange follows in the footsteps of a long tradition of journalists and whistleblowers who have made significant contributions to civil societies.”
Australian students endorse rallies to free Julian Assange
By our reporters, 14 February 2019
“I’m going, because I believe Assange should be set free and he should be defended. All people should go to the rallies if they believe in democratic rights.”
Australian government claims credit for release of detained Bahraini footballer, but refuses to assist Julian Assange
By Oscar Grenfell, 12 February 2019
Politicians who have abrogated the right to seek asylum and joined the persecution of Julian Assange have postured as champions of persecuted refugees.
Acclaimed musician Roger Waters calls on people to demonstrate in Australia to defend Julian Assange
By the Socialist Equality Party (Australia), 11 February 2019
Roger Waters, the iconic voice of Pink Floyd and renowned solo artist, has called for action to free Julian Assange.
IYSSE calls on students in Australia to join the demonstrations in defence of Julian Assange
By the IYSSE (Australia), 9 February 2019
The defence of Assange is at the cutting edge of the fight against growing authoritarianism and an assault on democratic rights around the world.
Australian workers and youth support March rallies in defence of Julian Assange
By our reporters, 5 February 2019
“I support the rally to free Assange. It is important for us to hold this protest to show that we will not tolerate any further attack on our democratic rights.”
John Pilger to speak at March 3 Sydney rally to defend Julian Assange
By the Socialist Equality Party (Australia), 2 February 2019
As well as John Pilger, the Sydney rally will be addressed by SEP National Secretary James Cogan. Cogan will also be the main speaker at the demonstration in Melbourne on March 10.
Stone indictment presents no evidence of links between WikiLeaks and Trump campaign
By James Cogan, 30 January 2019
WikiLeaks is a media organization that exercised the legally-protected rights of the press to published leaked information.
Rally to demand the Australian government acts to free Julian Assange!
Sydney Martin Place Amphitheatre, 2pm, March 3! Melbourne State Library, 1pm, March 10!
By the Socialist Equality Party (Australia), 25 January 2019
The Australian government has the undeniable duty and power to intervene to secure freedom for Julian Assange. The record has demonstrated, however, that it will take such action only if it is compelled to do so by the greatest pressure from below.
Julian Assange issues “urgent” legal challenge against US extradition plans
By Mike Head, 24 January 2019
The WikiLeaks founder is seeking to block a concerted operation to terminate his political asylum in Ecuador’s London embassy.
Corporate media smears WikiLeaks and Julian Assange
By Oscar Grenfell, 11 January 2019
A host of articles attacking Julian Assange this week are representative of what the world-renowned investigative journalist John Pilger aptly described as “Vichy journalism.”
Ecuador unveils “special examination” of Julian Assange’s asylum
By Mike Head, 5 January 2019
The Moreno government’s investigation into the granting of the WikiLeaks founder’s asylum and Ecuadorian citizenship is clearly designed to repudiate both.
Silence follows Trump attorney’s statement that Julian Assange did nothing “wrong”
By James Cogan, 4 January 2019
Not a word about Rudy Giuliani’s Fox News interview has been said by the political and media establishment in the US, Europe or Australia.
Demands surge for Britain to free WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange
By James Cogan, 22 December 2018
John Pilger told an online vigil: “Julian is a touchstone for opposition to so much of what is happening in our world right now—the rise of fascism, the threat of nuclear war.”
SEP (Australia) meeting announces rallies in defence of Julian Assange
By our reporters, 18 December 2018
The protests in Sydney and Melbourne will demand that the government take immediate action to secure Assange’s return to Australia, with a guarantee against extradition to the US.
Australian workers and youth speak out in defence of Julian Assange
By our reporters, 15 December 2018
“The Australian government’s role in the attacks on Assange has been pathetic, gutless, disgraceful. They just do what the US deep state tells them to do.”
Julian Assange denounces his illegal detention in Ecuadorian embassy
By Oscar Grenfell, 14 December 2018
The WikiLeaks publisher, whose health appears to be deteriorating, made the comments at a hearing against the Ecuadorian government’s “Special Protocol,” aimed at forcing him into British and US custody.
Time magazine honors journalists facing repression—but snubs Julian Assange
By Patrick Martin, 13 December 2018
The magazine’s “Person of the Year” went to journalists facing persecution for their efforts to uncover the truth, but only those whose efforts were aligned with US foreign policy.
The Australian Labor Party and the persecution of Julian Assange
By James Cogan, 13 December 2018
Far from protecting the “safety” of an Australian overseas, Labor has lined up completely with Washington and placed itself at the forefront of the attack on the WikiLeaks publisher.
Ecuadorian president hints again at moves to renege on Julian Assange’s asylum
By James Cogan, 7 December 2018
The fight for the freedom of Assange is a matter of fundamental political principle.
The Guardian attack on Assange exposed as politically-motivated fabrication
By James Cogan, 6 December 2018
The lack of any case against WikiLeaks explains the scurrilous allegations by the Guardian newspaper last week.
Guardian newspaper spearheads new accusations against Assange and WikiLeaks
By James Cogan, 28 November 2018
The newspaper has the nerve to declare that it serves to “give a voice to those less heard, challenge the powerful, and hold them to account.”
SEP meeting and livestream on December 16: What next in the fight to free Julian Assange?
By the Socialist Equality Party (Australia), 28 November 2018
The meeting will discuss the Socialist Equality Party’s political perspective to mobilise and lead the defence of Julian Assange.
Australian establishment collaborates in US vendetta against Julian Assange
By James Cogan, 20 November 2018
The sealed US charges underscore the danger facing Assange and the perfidy of those who support his persecution.
Defend Julian Assange against US charges!
By James Cogan, 17 November 2018
The relentless persecution of Assange is intended to intimidate and silence all critical and independent journalists and media organisations, as well as would-be whistleblowers.
Australian prime minister dismisses renewed calls to defend Julian Assange
By Mike Head, 8 November 2018
Morrison’s remarks are the first direct statement by the government of its support for the drive by the US government to get its hands on the WikiLeaks publisher.
New York Times ramps up smear campaign against Julian Assange
By Tom Hall, 6 November 2018
The latest round of slanders is aimed at preparing public opinion for an eventual indictment of the WikiLeaks founder on espionage charges.
Christine Assange, mother of persecuted WikiLeaks publisher, endorses Niles Niemuth, SEP candidate for Congress
By our reporter, 3 November 2018
Christine Assange posted an endorsement of Niles Niemuth on Twitter, calling on her followers to vote for “an anti-corruption/ pro Assange candidate.”
Ecuador’s government cuts off all access to Julian Assange
By Mike Head, 2 November 2018
The ban is another warning of the Moreno government’s preparations to terminate the WikiLeaks publisher’s asylum.
Julian Assange warns that Ecuador is moving to end his political asylum
By Mike Head, 30 October 2018
The WikiLeaks founder told an Ecuadorian court hearing that President Moreno had already decided to terminate his asylum but had not yet officially given the order.
In the face of mounting threats, the working class must defend Julian Assange
By Bill Van Auken, 25 October 2018
The Ecuadorian government’s public renunciation of any responsibility to defend Assange is an ominous warning that it is preparing to turn him over to British authorities.
Julian Assange takes legal action against Ecuadorian government
By James Cogan, 22 October 2018
WikiLeaks lawyers will challenge Ecuador’s threat to evict Assange from its London embassy if he does not accept anti-democratic conditions for continuing asylum.
Leading US House Democrat demands that Ecuador’s president “hand over” Julian Assange
By Mike Head, 18 October 2018
The letter effectively confirms that if the WikiLeaks founder is forced to leave Ecuador’s embassy, on whatever pretext, the British government will deliver him into the hands of the US.
Ecuador to partially restore Julian Assange’s access to communications and visitors
By James Cogan, 15 October 2018
Ecuador’s decision does not end the danger Assange faces or his effective imprisonment inside the small embassy building in London.
Julian Assange appoints new WikiLeaks’ editor-in-chief
By Patrick O’Connor, 1 October 2018
Kristinn Hrafnsson’s appointment is testament to WikiLeaks’ invaluable contribution to genuine journalism.
Guardian newspaper condemned for publishing “deliberate lies” about Julian Assange
By James Cogan, 25 September 2018
Former British whistleblower Craig Murray linked the newspaper’s allegations directly to the Mueller investigation in the United States.
US whistleblower Chelsea Manning defies ban to speak in Australia
By Linda Tenenbaum, 5 September 2018
“Once you’re immersed in a war zone, you realise that it isn’t statistics anymore. These were human lives and flaws and all of the vulnerabilities that people have.”
Is the Mueller investigation preparing to indict WikiLeaks editor Julian Assange?
By James Cogan, 1 September 2018
The claim that Assange was part of a conspiracy to manipulate the 2016 US presidential election is based on amalgams, distortions and outright lies.
Widespread opposition to Australian government ban on Chelsea Manning
By Oscar Grenfell and James Cogan, 31 August 2018
The attempt to prevent Manning visiting Australia followed a high-level meeting of the Five Eyes spying network, which called for a campaign against those who “sow discord.”
Oppose the ban on Chelsea Manning speaking in Australia!
By the Socialist Equality Party (Australia), 30 August 2018
The SEP demands that Manning be granted her visa and restates its demand for the unconditional freedom of WikiLeaks editor Julian Assange.
London: Ecuador embassy vigil marks six years since Julian Assange granted asylum
By Paul Mitchell, 18 August 2018
If forced out, Assange faces arrest by British police and imprisonment on bail infringement charges relating to a case dropped by Sweden over a year ago.
Mueller investigation seeks to implicate WikiLeaks and Julian Assange in “Russian interference”
By James Cogan, 15 August 2018
The purported evidence of ties between Russian intelligence, the Trump campaign and WikiLeaks is threadbare to the point of being ludicrous.
Workers and youth in UK speak out against continued persecution of Julian Assange
By our reporters, 13 August 2018
August 16 will mark six years since WikiLeaks editor Julian Assange was granted political asylum by the Ecuadorian government.
International artists’ visa refusals highlight UK government’s “hostile environment” against migrants
By Paul Bond, 13 August 2018
The racist visa bans have provoked widespread protests, condemning them and their parallels with the 1930s.
Julian Assange reportedly asked to give secret interview to US Senate Intelligence Committee
By Mike Head, 9 August 2018
WikiLeaks said it received a request for Assange to answer questions about supposed “Russian interference” in the 2016 election.
Ecuador’s president issues new threat to Julian Assange
By Mike Head, 7 August 2018
Moreno’s threats to “take measures” if Assange “intervenes” in the politics of other countries is a fraudulent attempt to justify turning the journalist over to the war criminals in Washington and London.
Julian Assange’s lawyer: Australian government has a “duty” to protect him
By Mike Head, 2 August 2018
Jennifer Robinson said the WikiLeaks editor wants to exercise his right to return to Australia, provided he is protected from extradition to the US.
Follow the WSWS