Thread by @mariemcinerney

Wominjenka. Welcome to Country at #FreeAssange event in Naarm/Melbourne

Hearing at #AnythingtoSay #FreeAssange about the courage of whistleblowers like #ChelseaManning #EdwardSnowden and in Australia, Bernard Collaery, David McBride (who is here) and Richard Boyle.

‘We have a right to know. We owe an incalculable debt to Julian Assange and Wikileaks for publishing truth. We have an obligation to stand up (in support)’ #FreeAssange ‘@DrOliviaBall

#FreeAssange #AnythingtoSay L-R Julian Assanges’s father John Shipton, lawyer Steven Kenny (who also acted for David Hicks), and whistleblower David McBride.

Resolution on Julian Assange by @pen_int condemns the moves for his extradition, saying they set a dangerous precedent for journalists and publishers across the globe. Assange is the first publisher to be charged under the US Espionage Act #FreeAssange

Lawyer Stephen Kenny talking about the protracted process Julian Assange is now subject to in the UK, seeking leave to appeal. PM Albanese has made positive sounds on seeking Assange’s release. ‘we need to hold him to that’. #FreeAssange

‘It can never be a crime to reveal murders by governments.’ David McBride says public support is critical, telling supporters to be proud of their stand. Talks about the need to put architects of Iraq invasion on trial, not those who reveal its crimes. #FreeAssange

Former Reuters journalist Dean Yates says his colleagues Namir and Saeed would have been forgotten statistics of the Iraq War if not for Julian Assange and Chelsea Manning revealing the truth of their deaths. #FreeAssange

‘Why are you so silent on Julian Assange?’ fmr Reuters journalist Dean Yates asks Australia’s media. ‘If you think your role is to hold power to account then you’re failing miserably. If you think your role is to protect the public’s right to know then you’re failing miserably.’

Julian Assange’s father John Shipton talks about whistleblowers like his son, Chelsea Manning, David McBride who ‘gathered their courage despite, in spite of the terrible circumstances they know will befall them.’ #FreeAssange

John Shipton urges action so his son Julian Assange can ‘come home to his kids and be able to live, ordinarily, a sweet life’.

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