Julian Is Free, But Justice Awaits.
Join us and ask for a pardon today.
On 26 June 2024, Julian Assange became the first publisher to be convicted under the United States Espionage Act for exposing the war crimes of the American Military.
Julian may now be free, but this campaign was never just about Julian. This conviction, the first of its kind, sets a dangerous precedent that threatens press freedom globally and risks the safety of journalists who expose government wrongdoings—the very things Julian risked his life to protect.
We know President Biden is guided by his commitment to the values of the American Republic. As he reflects on his legacy, he is considering the lives he can impact with his presidential pardons. We have a narrow window to advocate for justice.
Will you help apply pressure, asking him to grant Julian a full pardon before he leaves the White House?
By granting a pardon to Julian Assange, President Biden can not only correct a grave injustice but also send a powerful message that defending democracy and press freedom remains at the core of his presidency. He can reaffirm America's dedication to truth and the First Amendment.
Add your name to the open letter today.
To: The President of the United States of America,
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500
Open Letter to Protect Press Freedom by Pardoning Australian Citizen and Publisher, Julian Assange
We, the undersigned, respectfully petition the Administration of the United States of America to protect press freedom and grant a full and unconditional pardon to Mr. Julian Assange.
On 26 June 2024, Mr. Assange, an Australian citizen and founder of WikiLeaks, was convicted for actions that are intrinsic to journalistic practice: seeking information from sources and publishing it in the public interest. Mr. Assange's conviction under the United States Espionage Act marks the first time a publisher has been prosecuted under this law for standard journalistic conduct.
We urge you to pardon Mr. Assange for the following reasons:
1. The conviction of Mr. Assange has created a dangerous precedent criminalising journalistic activities globally. This case not only endangers journalists worldwide exposing them to transnational repression but also undermines the United States' and its allies longstanding commitment to press freedom.
2. Mr. Assange’s conviction represents a direct conflict with the protections guaranteed by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, which safeguards the rights to freedom of expression and freedom of the press. By convicting Mr. Assange for engaging in standard reporting practices, this case undermines the very principles that are essential to a functioning democracy and the public's right to be informed about the actions of their government.
3. The Espionage Act should not be used as a politically motivated tool to punish publishers, journalists or sources for disclosing information in the public interest.
4. As President you have vowed to defend democracy and freedom of the press. The conviction of Mr. Assange would cast a dark cloud over these commitments, suggesting that journalistic activity is now a criminal act. Pardoning Mr. Assange would reaffirm the United States' role as a global leader in press freedom and human rights.
5. By reversing this conviction, your administration would send a strong message to governments who use transnational repression to silence journalists and critiques both at home and abroad. Reaffirming the United States' commitment to protecting those who expose wrongdoing, no matter where they are.
6. In granting this pardon, you would not only rectify a grave injustice, but also reinforce the founding values of the American Republic.
For these reasons, we urge you to use your presidential power to protect press freedom by granting Mr. Assange a full and unconditional pardon.
What else
can I do?
The campaign will only succeed if thousands of everyday American citizens come together to demand action. Can you share the campaign with your friends and family? Together, we can pardon Julian Assange and free the press.