The Persecution of WikiLeaks
British and Ecuadorian authorities in talks to evict Julian Assange from London embassy
By Oscar Grenfell, 16 July 2018
Media reports point to the ongoing conspiracy, involving the British, US and Ecuadorian governments, to terminate Assange’s political asylum in violation of international law.
Ecuador’s government negotiating Julian Assange’s fate with the UK
By Bill Van Auken, 12 July 2018
The statements by Ecuador’s president and foreign minister come amid growing signs of Quito’s bowing to pressure from Washington.
Prominent whistleblowers and journalists defend Julian Assange at online vigil
By Oscar Grenfell, 12 July 2018
The speakers included individuals, such as Daniel Ellsberg, who have been persecuted by governments for taking a courageous stand against war and authoritarianism.
Australia’s foreign interference laws threaten whistleblowers and media freedom
By James Cogan, 9 July 2018
In 2010, Assange and WikiLeaks had committed no crime for informing millions about US war crimes. Today, under the new legislation, such courageous actions could attract a penalty of decades in jail.
Persecution of WikiLeaks editor Julian Assange continues
By James Cogan, 5 July 2018
The US, British and Australian governments are utilising the Ecuadorian government to try and break Assange by denying him any external communication or visitors.
More support from Sri Lanka for WikiLeaks editor
By our correspondents, 4 July 2018
“WikiLeaks editor Julian Assange courageously exposes the criminality of the US, its machinations, lies and cover-ups.”
US Democratic senators demand eviction of Julian Assange from Ecuador’s London embassy
By James Cogan, 28 June 2018
Leading Democratic senators, including Diane Feinstein and Mark Warner, have declared they are “extremely concerned about Ecuador providing asylum for WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange.”
Sri Lankan artists, translators and workers endorse international campaign to defend Julian Assange
By our correspondents, 25 June 2018
More Sri Lankan academics, writers and workers have spoken out in support of the International Committee of the Fourth International’s campaign in defence of the WikiLeaks editor.
The foul role of Spiked in the demonization of Julian Assange
By Thomas Scripps, 23 June 2018
Spiked has echoed the propaganda of the British government and a compliant media in demanding the prosecution of WikiLeaks editor Julian Assange.
“Julian fights for peace and defends democratic rights”
Watch: Workers at SEP rally in Sydney demand freedom for Julian Assange
By our reporters, 22 June 2018
Workers and young people who attended the SEP’s Sydney rally denounced the persecution of WikiLeaks editor Julian Assange and demanded his immediate release.
Ecuadorian foreign minister warns that Julian Assange’s political asylum is “not forever”
By Oscar Grenfell, 22 June 2018
Valencia’s comments are another indication of a conspiracy to force the WikiLeaks editor out of the Ecuadorian embassy and into British and US custody.
After six years confinement: WikiLeaks editor Julian Assange in great danger
By Mike Head, 21 June 2018
Assange’s lawyer Jennifer Robinson said yesterday his situation is “very difficult” and Ecuador was “under significant pressure from the US” to force him to leave its London embassy.
Assange is being punished for exposing state secrecy and the reality of war
By Linda Tenenbaum, 21 June 2018
SEP national committee member Linda Tenenbaum told the Sydney rally that the event was to initiate an international movement in defence of Assange and basic democratic rights.
The persecution of Assange is an attempt to silence mass anti-war sentiment
By Evrim Yazgin, 21 June 2018
Evrim Yazgin, International Youth and Students for Social Equality president at the University of Melbourne, explained how Assange’s struggle for the truth had politicised a generation of young people.
Educators internationally must stand up for Julian Assange
By Sue Phillips, 21 June 2018
Committee For Public Education national convenor Sue Phillips told the Sydney rally that the defence of Assange is intimately connected to the fight for the democratic and social rights of students, educators and the working class.
Workers at SEP rally in Sydney demand freedom for Julian Assange
By our reporters, 21 June 2018
“Julian fights for peace and defends democratic rights.”
New Zealand rally demands freedom for Julian Assange
By our reporters, 20 June 2018
Tom Peters from the Socialist Equality Group (New Zealand) addressed a rally outside the Australian High Commission in Wellington to demand that the Australian government secure Assange’s freedom.
Protesters demand release of Julian Assange at US vigils
By our reporters, 20 June 2018
Protests occurred in New York, Los Angeles, San Diego, Washington D.C. and in other cities across the US.
Australian vigils held in defence of Julian Assange
By our reporters, 20 June 2018
Speaking in Melbourne, SEP national secretary James Cogan indicted the Australian political and media establishment for their attacks on Assange and called for a turn to the working class.
Support global rallies today to demand freedom for Julian Assange
By Mike Head, 19 June 2018
“The vigils being held across the world in solidarity with the WikiLeaks founder are of immense importance.”
The Sydney rally to defend Julian Assange: An important step forward
By Linda Tenenbaum, 18 June 2018
The international socialist movement and the working class are the decisive force in the fight for Assange’s freedom and the defense of all democratic rights.
Grenfell Fire Forum endorses vigils to demand freedom for Julian Assange
By our reporters, 18 June 2018
The Grenfell Fire Forum met just three days after commemorations to mark the first anniversary of the inferno.
“We’re not asking Malcolm Turnbull to defend Assange, we are telling him!”
Watch: Rally to Free Julian Assange held in Sydney
18 June 2018
Hundreds of people participated in Sunday's demonstration in Sydney Town Hall Square to demand Julian Assange's safe return to Australia. The rally, organised by the Socialist Equality Party, featured speeches from SEP Australia national secretary James Cogan and independent journalist and filmmaker John Pilger.
Workers and young people speak out after Sydney rally to defend Julian Assange
By our reporters, 18 June 2018
“We need heroes like Assange to continue this work and tell us the truth.”
Sri Lankan artists speak out in defence of Julian Assange
16 June 2018
Lakshman Mendis, Bertie B. Kudahetti, Ratnasiri Paranawithana and Bartholameuse Wimalaratne endorse the international campaign to free Julian Assange.
Join the June 17 demonstration in Sydney and June 19 rallies to defend WikiLeaks editor Julian Assange
By the Socialist Equality Party (Australia), 16 June 2018
The rallies and vigils will be important contributions to the development of an ongoing campaign to secure Assange’s freedom.
Writer Steven Brust on Assange: “I salute his personal courage and integrity”
16 June 2018
Steven Brust is a prominent fantasy and science fiction writer, the author of 31 books, as well as a musician. He is perhaps best known for his series of novels about the assassin Vlad Taltos, one of a group of humans living on a world called Dragaera.
Film critic, cinema professor and journalist Joseph McBride: Julian Assange “should be freed”
16 June 2018
Joseph McBride is one of the most honest and interesting film critics and historians in the US. He has written studies of Frank Capra, Steven Spielberg, John Ford, Orson Welles and Ernst Lubitsch, among other works.
UK workers demand release of Julian Assange, support international vigils
By our reporters, 16 June 2018
“Assange has been imprisoned for more than a third of my lifetime. Teenagers of today have grown up in a world of fear, censorship and the presence of a police state.”
Ecuador in talks to remove Julian Assange from London embassy
By Mike Head, 15 June 2018
Whatever the backroom machinations involve exactly, Assange is in great danger.
Indian workers and students demand freedom for Julian Assange
By our reporters, 15 June 2018
Indian Trotskyists campaigned last week in Kolkata and Sriperumbudur as part of the international struggle to defend the WikiLeaks editor.
The Democratic National Committee lawsuit against WikiLeaks and Julian Assange: A major attack on press freedom
By Ed Hightower, 15 June 2018
Should the Democratic Party prevail, journalists could face criminal prosecution and civil damages any time they reported on unlawful government or corporate activity.
SEP Australia national secretary demands Australian government act to free Julian Assange
14 June 2018
In the wake of the Vault 7 leaks, the US state apparatus is even more determined to silence WikiLeaks and silence Assange.
Film director Ken Loach: “The persecution of Julian Assange must end”
By our reporters, 14 June 2018
Ken Loach is one of the world’s most respected film directors, whose body of work demonstrate his socialist convictions and a deeply felt sympathy for the working class.
Professor Piers Robinson demands freedom for Julian Assange
14 June 2018
A leading member of the Working Group on Syria, Propaganda and Media and of the Media on Trial organisation, Robinson has opposed regime change wars in the Balkans and the Middle East
Demands grow that Australian government act to free Julian Assange
By Mike Head, 12 June 2018
Assange’s lawyer Jennifer Robinson insisted that the Turnbull government can and must intervene on behalf of the WikiLeaks editor.
Australian public high school teachers support campaign to free Julian Assange
By our reporters, 12 June 2018
Socialist Equality Party member Will Marshall moved a resolution in defence of Assange at Footscray City College.
Australian workers and youth back June 17 Sydney rally in defence of Julian Assange
By our reporters, 12 June 2018
“Assange is a symbol of freedom of speech and justice for ordinary people. It is critical that we free him.”
The pseudo-left stabs Assange in the back
By Andre Damon, 11 June 2018
Despite initially voicing opposition to the attack on Assange, the entire gamut of the middle-class “left” has either ignored, downplayed or supported Assange’s persecution.
Press conference to be held in Sydney ahead of rallies in defence of Assange
By our reporters, 11 June 2018
Canberra must meet its obligations to protect Julian Assange, as it did for Al Jazeera journalist Peter Greste.
Australian government has obligation to protect Julian Assange
By Richard Hoffman, 11 June 2018
The Turnbull government must exercise its discretion to request from Britain the safe passage of Julian Assange to Australia.
Sheila Coombes, Professor Tim Hayward and journalist Vanessa Beeley demand freedom for Julian Assange
By our reporters, 11 June 2018
Three prominent individuals associated with the Media on Trial group have sent statements to the World Socialist Web Site supporting the campaign to free Julian Assange.
Australian officials visit Julian Assange as campaign to free him expands
By James Cogan, 9 June 2018
The meeting occurred within the context of a growing international campaign to defend the WikiLeaks’ editor.
Julian Assange named as threat
Australian “foreign interference” bills seek to protect “US secrets”
By Mike Head, 9 June 2018
Andrew Hastie’s comments underscore the intense pressure being applied to the Turnbull government by the US military-intelligence establishment.
Professor Stuart Rees, former director of the Sydney Peace Foundation, calls for Assange’s liberty
9 June 2018
“Julian Assange has worked tirelessly to support free speech and to expose abuses of power by governments.”
Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Chris Hedges endorses June 17 Sydney demonstration in defense of Julian Assange
8 June 2018
Assange’s “defense is the cutting edge of the fight against government suppression of the most fundamental democratic rights,” said Hedges.
“Julian Assange has done us a very great service”
New York City transit workers demand freedom for Julian Assange
By our reporters, 8 June 2018
Train operators and bus drivers expressed strong opposition to the persecution of Assange, linking the fight for his freedom to the defense of democratic rights and free speech.
Free Julian Assange rallies called in Sri Lanka and India
7 June 2018
The SEP and supporters of the ICFI will demonstrate in Colombo, the Sri Lankan capital, and Sriperumbudur, in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
Sri Lankan workers and students defend Julian Assange
By our correspondents, 7 June 2018
Many of those who spoke to the WSWS compared the attacks on WikiLeaks to the Sri Lankan government’s measures against journalists.
US activist Kevin Zeese calls for demonstrations against the persecution of Julian Assange
6 June 2018
“Freedom of speech and freedom of the press is being defined by the treatment of Julian Assange.”
Ten weeks incommunicado: Conspiracy builds to force Assange out of Ecuadorian embassy
By James Cogan, 6 June 2018
Demonstrations and vigils must be understood not as one-off protests, but the renewal of a determined campaign to win Assange’s freedom.
Free Julian Assange! Support the June 19 vigil in London
By the Socialist Equality Party (UK), 6 June 2018
Workers and young people must demand that the Conservative government of Theresa May end its persecution of Assange, drop the bail-related issues against him and allow him to leave the embassy and, if he chooses, the UK, without fear of arrest.
Journalist Antony Loewenstein: “Heavy pressure” needed to win freedom and justice for Assange
6 June 2018
The following statement was sent by journalist and filmmaker Antony Loewenstein, a consistent defender of WikiLeaks.
Ecuadorian foreign minister asserts treatment of Assange is “not censorship”
By James Cogan, 5 June 2018
Assange is not only being censored, but faces imminent danger of being forced into the hands of his persecutors.
John Pilger and Courage Foundation announce “urgent campaign” to free Assange
5 June 2018
The Courage Foundation, which raises funds for the legal defence of persecuted whistleblowers and journalists, has endorsed protests and vigils in defence of Julian Assange later this month.
Terry Hicks, father of former Guantánamo Bay prisoner David Hicks, supports Julian Assange
5 June 2018
“We pulled apart all the government and media lies and character assassination against David and we never gave up. This is what we have to do for Assange.”
Lift the ban on communications! Free Julian Assange!
By James Cogan, 4 June 2018
The American state and its allies are seeking to destroy WikiLeaks and Julian Assange in order to intimidate every critical and independent media organisation.
Singer-songwriter Roger Waters calls for defence of Assange
By our reporters, 4 June 2018
Waters emailed the World Socialist Web Site last month to convey his support for international action to defend Julian Assange.
Lawyer Julian Burnside endorses June 17 Sydney demonstration for Assange’s freedom
4 June 2018
“The Turnbull government must help Julian Assange now. He must be helped to leave the Ecuadorean Embassy without being arrested.”
Australian students support June 17 Sydney rally demanding freedom for Julian Assange
By our reporters, 1 June 2018
“The governments know that by attacking Assange, it will have a ripple effect. They want every single student who is against war to be intimidated.”
Break the silence on the danger facing Julian Assange
By James Cogan, 31 May 2018
A profound shift has taken place among a layer that previously postured as “liberal,” “left” and even “socialist.”
“The government is after him because he’s telling the truth”
Detroit autoworkers call for Julian Assange’s freedom
By Will Morrow, 31 May 2018
Workers opposed the persecution of Assange and the broader drive to silence political dissent and censor the Internet.
The working class must mobilize to free Julian Assange!
By Andre Damon, 30 May 2018
The demand for the freedom of Julian Assange must be connected to the developing international movement of workers against inequality, oppression and exploitation.
“I don’t think Assange will be forgiven by our rulers because he educated the world”
Join the June 19 London vigil demanding freedom for Julian Assange!
By Robert Stevens, 30 May 2018
Emmy Butlin of the Julian Assange Defence Committee said: “Individual contributions are great, but we change society as a group, acting together.”
Demand freedom for Julian Assange! Join the demonstration in Sydney on June 17!
By James Cogan, 29 May 2018
Assange’s situation stems directly from the Australian government’s refusal to protect one of its citizens.
John Pilger endorses June 17 Sydney demonstration in defence of Julian Assange
29 May 2018
“Julian is a courageous editor persecuted for exercising a right enshrined in the United States Constitution.”
For international action to defend Julian Assange!
By The ICFI and WSWS international editorial board, 28 May 2018
The June 17 demonstration in Sydney will demand that the Australian government immediately act to secure Assange’s unconditional freedom and return to Australia.
Julian Assange “in jeopardy” of being forced into UK and US detention
By Mike Head, 25 May 2018
Reports allege that the WikiLeaks founder could be removed from Ecuador’s London embassy “any day now.”
Australian workers and youth defend Julian Assange
By our reporters, 21 May 2018
The support for Assange stands in stark contrast to the venomous hostility to the WikiLeaks editor from governments and the corporate media.
Germany’s Süddeutsche Zeitung fuels the campaign against Julian Assange
By Peter Schwarz, 18 May 2018
The German daily has joined the campaign to justify handing over the WikiLeaks founder to British and American authorities.
WikiLeaks and whistleblowers condemn new allegations against Julian Assange
By James Cogan, 17 May 2018
Beside WikiLeaks and the WSWS, only a handful of other websites and individuals have stepped forward to denounce the Guardian for serving as the conduit for the anti-Assange vendetta.
Conspiracy emerges to push Julian Assange into British and US hands
By Mike Head, 16 May 2018
The Guardian has instigated a foul campaign to justify Ecuador forcing Assange to leave its embassy.
Jeremy Corbyn silent on persecution of Julian Assange
By Laura Tiernan, 9 May 2018
It is more than two years since a United Nations human rights panel ruled that Assange’s persecution by the Swedish and British governments amounts to “arbitrary detention” and a violation of international law.
Whistleblower and former political prisoner Chelsea Manning speaks to WSWS
By Norisa Diaz, 2 May 2018
The World Socialist Web Site spoke to Chelsea Manning, known around the world for her courageous leaks of documents exposing US government war crimes and her subsequent arrest.
New Zealand: IYSSE and SEG meeting opposes Internet censorship
By our reporter, 24 April 2018
The speaker explained that censorship and the persecution of WikiLeaks was the response to opposition to war and social inequality.
Australian workers and youth denounce persecution of Julian Assange
By our reporters, 23 April 2018
The sentiments of ordinary people stand in stark contrast to the actions of the official parliamentary parties, which are all complicit in the attacks on WikiLeaks and Assange.
The CIA Democrats vs. Julian Assange
By Patrick Martin, 23 April 2018
The lawsuit filed by the Democratic National Committee is an attack on the First Amendment guarantee of freedom of speech and the press.
Australian meetings to call for Julian Assange’s freedom
By the Socialist Equality Party (Australia), 20 April 2018
The Australian political and media establishment bears major responsibility for the outrages perpetrated against Julian Assange.
John Pilger and Julian Burnside denounce silencing of WikiLeaks’ Julian Assange
By Niles Niemuth, 12 April 2018
The WikiLeaks founder and publisher has been cut off from all access to the outside world for more two weeks by the Ecuadorian government under pressure from the United States and its allies.
Bloomberg: Ecuador cut Assange’s Internet to win “good graces of international investors”
By Eric London, 12 April 2018
President Lenin Moreno is working with the Trump administration to increase US military and economic influence in South America.
Two weeks since WikiLeaks publisher Julian Assange silenced by Ecuador
By Niles Niemuth, 11 April 2018
It is no coincidence that Assange has been shut off from any form of communication with the outside world as the US and its allies prepare for an escalation of war in Syria and beyond.
“The people are behind you!”
Students, faculty and staff at University of Michigan oppose persecution of Julian Assange
By Zac Corrigan, 3 April 2018
On Monday, an IYSSE campaign team spoke to students and faculty at the University of Michigan about the confinement and persecution of Julian Assange.
Why has Ecuador silenced Julian Assange?
By Bill Van Auken, 31 March 2018
The Ecuadorian government’s measures to silence Assange are bound up with a sharp turn to the right by the governments of a number of countries associated with Latin America’s so-called “Pink Tide.”
Protesters denounce silencing of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange
By Robert Stevens, 30 March 2018
The Ecuadorian Embassy’s decision to sever all communication between Assange and the outside world is an illegal and vindictive act of political persecution.
Ecuador cuts off Julian Assange’s access to the outside world
By Mike Head, 29 March 2018
Julian Assange’s confinement in the Ecuadoran embassy increasingly resembles that of a prisoner.
British judge refuses to overturn Julian Assange’s arrest warrant
By Paul Mitchell, 14 February 2018
Lawyers for Assange argued the warrant should be revoked because Sweden dropped its extradition warrant last year and that arresting him was no longer “proportionate” or “in the public interest.”
Britain warned Sweden not to drop Assange extradition proceedings
By Paul Mitchell, 13 February 2018
The UK remains determined to arrest journalist Julian Assange, who is trapped in the Ecuadorian embassy in London, in relation to trumped-up “sexual assault” charges.
Julian Assange loses initial bid to overturn British arrest warrant
By Mike Head, 7 February 2018
Even if the judge withdraws the warrant next week, Assange still faces extradition to the US to be tried on trumped-up charges of espionage and treason.
Julian Assange challenges warrant for his arrest as doctors confirm worsening of his health
By Margot Miller, 27 January 2018
The clinicians, with a combined four decades of experience, said Assange's "continued confinement" is "a clear infringement of his human right to healthcare.”
Statement by Julian Assange opposing Internet censorship will be read at WSWS “Organizing Resistance” Webinar
16 January 2018
The webinar featuring David North and Chris Hedges will be broadcast live on January 16 at 7:00 pm EST.
Freedom for Julian Assange!
By Bill Van Auken, 11 January 2018
The “untenable” conditions under which the WikiLeaks founder remains confined are the product of an unrelenting drive by the US and British governments to punish him for exposing the crimes of imperialism.
Trudeau government bans Chelsea Manning from entering Canada
By Tom Hall, 26 September 2017
Ottawa’s justification for barring Chelsea Manning amounts to a declaration that whistleblowers in the Canadian military can expect the same horrific treatment meted out to Manning.
CIA vetoes Chelsea Manning’s Harvard fellowship
By Eric London, 16 September 2017
After a quarter century of war, there is hardly a decision made in any of the official institutions of bourgeois power where the military and intelligence agencies do not have the final say.
Sweden’s investigation into Julian Assange was a political frame-up from the outset
By David Walsh, 20 May 2017
The entire affair was aimed at discrediting and paralyzing WikiLeaks and creating conditions under which Assange could be extradited or abducted to the US, to be executed or condemned to a lifetime in prison.
Sweden drops bogus investigation, but Julian Assange threatened with extradition to US
By Robert Stevens, 20 May 2017
The case against the WikiLeaks founder was concocted from the beginning so he could be sent from Sweden to the US.
WikiLeaks’ lawyers sharply criticize Laura Poitras’ documentary Risk
By David Walsh, 19 May 2017
Poitras’ film about Julian Assange and WikiLeaks, the four lawyers contend, undermines the credibility of the organization at a critical moment and exposes the documentary’s subjects “to considerable legal jeopardy.”
Chelsea Manning released amid growing attacks on democratic rights in the US
By Bill Van Auken, 18 May 2017
Manning’s seven-year imprisonment at the hands of the US military was the most draconian sentence ever served for leaking classified documents.
Whistleblower Chelsea Manning to be released from prison today
By Genevieve Leigh, 17 May 2017
Manning has served seven years in prison, frequently under brutal conditions, for leaking evidence to WikiLeaks exposing US war crimes in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Risk: Laura Poitras’ confused, superficial documentary about Julian Assange and WikiLeaks
By David Walsh and Joanne Laurier, 11 May 2017
The film broaches a dozen subjects and avoids treating any of them in depth, and often fails to take a clear position of any kind.
FBI director threatens WikiLeaks and Assange
By Patrick Martin, 4 May 2017
James Comey complained that WikiLeaks, unlike the American media, does not work with the US intelligence community to protect its secrets.
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