A manifesto for the defense of Julian Assange in the European Union’s institutions has been launched by RSF and IFDH. Urging candidates in the upcoming European elections to commit to defending his interests, this manifesto highlights the crucial importance of standing up for Assange and, by extension, safeguarding the right to freedom of expression within and outside the EU. Citizens are warmly encouraged to contact their candidates, using the pre-drafted email, and request their signature by sending an email to mc@juscogens.be
“Dear Candidates for the European Parliament elections,
We hope this message finds you well.
We are contacting you on behalf of Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) about a pressing issue related to press freedom in the upcoming European Parliament elections.
You may already be aware of the imminent threat to Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, who risks extradition to the United States. His fate could be decided on the 20th of May before the High Court in London.
This potential extradition poses a significant risk to press freedom and the right to information. Assange’s role as a publisher has been pivotal in uncovering vital information about war crimes, mass surveillance, and other human rights violations. However, instead of being praised for his contributions to journalism, he has suffered years of arbitrary detention and now faces the possibility of an unfair trial in the US, where he could be sentenced to up to 175 years in prison.
In response to this threat, RSF and FIDH have co-signed the Manifesto for the Defence of Julian Assange, underscoring the urgent need to protect his rights and uphold press freedom. By signing this manifesto, you commit to opposing Assange’s extradition, calling on EU institutions to take action, urging British authorities to end his detention, engaging in diplomatic efforts with the US, and attending – or following – potential future hearings.
Your support is crucial in defending press freedom and upholding democratic values. Please take a moment to sign the manifesto by replying to this email (mc@juscogens.be) and join us in this critical effort. Your signature will not only demonstrate your dedication to defending press freedom but also convey a powerful message about the importance of safeguarding journalistic rights.
Thank you for considering this urgent appeal. We eagerly await your support.
Best regards,