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What are your thoughts on the role of the German government and how it is handling the case?
Germany plays a special role because US clandestine operations against WikiLeaks have taken place on German soil, as early as 2009. German nationals and German publications are implicated in these very publications, and obviously the case is an infringement on European sovereignty. Germany ought to take the role of moral leadership in the European continent meaning, as the single most powerful country it should wield its gravitas to state the obvious, that journalists, everywhere, must be free from prison and intimidation.
What do you hear from inside the German government and people familiar with the matter regarding internal deliberations and possible measures behind the scenes?
Under the previous government, there was disquiet at the implications of this case underneath the surface. German diplomats were monitoring the extradition proceedings, albeit quietly. I think it’s important to engage with the German decision-makers to bring them up to speed with the latest developments. The Biden administration is deeply divided on this case, the appetite to pursue the case is significantly dampened and it is generally seen to be a Pompeo-Trump legacy. Meanwhile, the Australian government is saying the right things, that it is seeking a solution and Julian should be free. An unequivocal position on the right side of history by the German government would be very timely.
How is Mr. Assange supported by German political parties and/or individual MPs and the German public?
There has always been support in Germany from all sides of politics, but it has grown more intense over recent years. I find Germany to be the most critical and informed society when it comes to this case, alongside Italy.
The German press ball takes place this Friday and recently announced it would permanently add the motto “For Press Freedom” to its name, with a focus this year on Iran. What are your thoughts on this?
In general, I am uneasy about glamorous events where journalists hobnob with those in power they are supposed to police. It is easy to sponsor events about press freedom in foreign countries where we are critical of the regimes, the underlying geopolitical dynamics are clear. It is hard for me to resist the thought that a lot of what goes on is no more than selective outrage and virtue signaling. Julian has been in prison in England for 4 years without conviction and risking 175 years in the US. If next year’s gala is about press freedom in the US/UK or the persecution of WikiLeaks, I might have a different view. Perhaps I am too cynical. I will gladly eat my words.
The Albanese administration in Australia wants to step up its efforts to get Mr. Assange, an Australian citizen, released. What do you hear about this and potential negotiations with the UK and/or the US?
It is Julian’s best chance at freedom. This has always been a political case and the solution must come from the political leadership.
In June 2022, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock pointed to differences with the US over the issue of press freedom in this case. Recently, she condemned Russia over the case of imprisoned reporter Evan Gershkovich and called for his release, arguing that journalism is not a crime. How do you see her role?
I think Germany must be capable of signaling strength. I have long warned that with Julian’s prosecution, the US had normalized the use of political offences like espionage legislation against journalists, and now Russia has used the same formula against Gershkovich for the first time since the Cold War. This is no coincidence. I think that had Julian not been prosecuted Gershovich would probably have been expelled, not facing 20 years under Espionage statutes. The US used to export the notion of press freedom. Now, it is exporting press repression, by setting this precedent that has started a global race to the bottom on press protections.
What do you expect from Baerbock?
To remain silent in the face of this abuse signals weakness, especially after having been on record calling for Julian’s release while in opposition, and especially when the UN, Council of Europe and every major human rights organization share the position. The US needs to hear from its allies that this imprisonment of Julian cannot be tolerated and it makes the West weaker. Human rights is an area in which Germany should not be seen to compromise its values.
