The ordeal should prompt deep reflection on the values that underpin Australia’s relationship with its most important security ally, the US.
Today, in a surprise development likely weeks in the planning, WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange was able to leave the United Kingdom for the first time in more than a decade after reaching a plea deal with the US government.
The charges against Assange were not just considered unprecedented, they raised significant First Amendment concerns. The successful extradition of Assange could have set a precedent by which the US could pursue journalists anywhere in the world for publishing information it did not like, while potentially denying them their fundamental First Amendment rights.
Assange’s case, however, is wholly different to the charges on which Trump has been indicted. It is certainly possible to interpret Biden’s comment that he was “considering” dropping the charges as a gentle public rebuke of the Department of Justice’s pursuit of the case, given its global implications for a free press.
In the context of growing concern in Australia about the terms of the AUKUS submarine deal and the Australian government’s willingness to go “all-in” with the US militarily, the continued pursuit of Assange gave the impression that Australia’s most important security ally did not take its concerns seriously. Australia appeared simply to be snapping at America’s heels.
Julian Assange Julian Assange Plea Deal Press Freedom US-Australia Relations World News
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Why is Julian Assange headed to the little-known island of Saipan?Family and supporters of Julian Assange are expecting the WikiLeaks founder to return home to Australia this week, but before he does, the 52-year-old is expected to make a court appearance at a little-known island in the western Pacific Ocean.
Read more »
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange lands in Australia a free man for first time since 20107NEWS brings you the latest local news from Australia and around the world. Stay up to date with all of the breaking sport, politics, entertainment, finance, weather and business headlines. Today's news, live updates & all the latest breaking stories from 7NEWS.
Read more »
WATCH LIVE: PM addresses media as Julian Assange lands in AustJulian Assange has landed in Australia as his lengthy legal saga draws to a close.
Read more »
Julian Assange to be reunited with family as he returns home to AustraliaSupporters and family members, including his father, John Shipton, and wife, Stella Assange, have gathered in Canberra to welcome him
Read more »
Relentless lobbying and a garden party ambush: how Australia pushed for Julian Assange’s freedomWikiLeaks founder’s release was culmination of years of behind-the-scenes diplomatic lobbying, which got big boost when Albanese took office
Read more »
'Today is a historic day': Julian Assange's long-time lawyer celebrates his return to AustraliaWikileaks founder Julian Assange is on his way home to Australia a free man after accepting a plea deal from the United States.
Read more »