Australian Prime Minister Supports Parliamentary Motion Demanding Julian Assange’s Release

Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese lent his support to a parliamentary motion in the lower house advocating for the return of WikiLeaks’ founder Julian Assange to Australia, ahead of a crucial hearing scheduled next week at London’s High Court regarding his extradition.

The motion, initiated by independent lawmaker Andrew Wilkie, garnered approval on Wednesday with 86 votes in favor and 42 against, notably backed by the Labor government. However, the majority of members from the conservative opposition coalition opposed the motion.

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Wilkie emphasized the significance of the motion, stating, “(It) will send a powerful political signal to the British government and the U.S. government,” during his address to parliament before the vote. U.S. authorities seek to extradite Assange from a British prison to face criminal charges related to WikiLeaks’ disclosure of extensive confidential U.S. military records and diplomatic cables.

While Britain has approved his extradition, Assange, an Australian citizen, has lodged a potential final legal challenge to prevent it. A public hearing is scheduled for Feb. 20-21, during which two judges will review a previous ruling denying Assange permission to appeal.

Wilkie announced his intention to travel to Britain to attend next week’s hearings, asserting, “Whether you worship or loathe Julian Assange, the matter has gone on long enough,” in an interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corp.

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Albanese has persistently urged the U.S. to withdraw the extradition requests and release Assange, expressing frustration over the absence of a diplomatic resolution.

Supporters of Assange argue that he has been unfairly targeted for revealing U.S. wrongdoing and potential crimes, particularly in conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. Conversely, Washington contends that the disclosure of classified documents jeopardized lives.

Australia’s Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus disclosed that Assange’s extradition was discussed during a meeting with his U.S. counterpart Merrick Garland in Washington the previous month. Dreyfus reiterated the government’s stance on Assange, emphasizing the need to bring the matter to a close.

“This was a private discussion, however, this government’s position on Assange is very clear and has not changed,” Dreyfus stated in a release. “It is time this matter is brought to an end.”