Assange's Legal Adviser: Biden Could Drop Extradition Case After Trump's Support"
Jennifer Robinson, the London-based human rights lawyer and legal adviser to Julian Assange, suggests that US President Joe Biden might now find it politically feasible to abandon the extradition case against the WikiLeaks founder. Robinson pointed to a recent show of support from political rival Donald Trump, indicating that dropping the case wouldn't necessarily incur political backlash.
Speaking on ABC's Q+A program, Robinson emphasized the urgency of the situation, stressing that waiting for the outcome of the US election shouldn't be necessary. Assange, currently appealing against extradition from Britain to face 18 criminal charges in the US, has already spent five years in London's Belmarsh prison following his 2019 arrest.
Robinson highlighted the bipartisan concern surrounding the case, noting Trump's indication of considering a pardon for Assange and Biden's acknowledgment of Australia's request to drop the charges. She sees this convergence as a positive sign for a potential resolution.
While Robinson refrained from endorsing any presidential candidate, she reiterated the need for swift action to end what she described as a 14-year persecution against Assange for his journalistic endeavors. She urged President Biden to seize the opportunity and bring an end to the ordeal.
Regarding Trump's pardon remarks, Robinson remained cautious, citing the former president's fluctuating stance on WikiLeaks. However, she affirmed that advocacy efforts would persist irrespective of the election outcome.
The discussion coincided with a new Q+A/YouGov poll indicating strong support among Australians for ending the extradition case against Assange, reflecting widespread sentiment favoring resolution and justice.
Albanese Advocates for Assange's Release; Former White House Staffer Sees Potential in Australia's Role
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has joined the chorus of voices advocating for the release of Julian Assange, stating firmly that "enough is enough." His remarks come amidst growing momentum to address Assange's prolonged legal battle.
Adding weight to the discourse, Kim Hoggard, a former senior White House staffer with experience in both Republican administrations of Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush, emphasized Australia's significance as a crucial ally to the United States. Hoggard, who held a prominent position in the US State Department, highlighted the strength of the alliance between the two nations, suggesting that this could play a pivotal role in Assange's case.
Speaking on ABC's Q+A program, Hoggard also underscored broader implications of Assange's plight, pointing to excessive government secrecy and overclassification of information within the US government. She argued that such practices undermine democratic principles, indicating a need for greater transparency and accountability.
The discussion on Q+A provided a platform for these perspectives to be shared and explored further. Viewers were encouraged to watch the full episode on ABC iview to delve deeper into the complexities surrounding Assange's situation and the broader implications for democracy and freedom of information.
In conclusion, the calls for Julian Assange's release are gaining momentum, with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and former White House staffer Kim Hoggard adding their voices to the chorus. Albanese's firm stance of "enough is enough" and Hoggard's insights into the importance of the US-Australia alliance signal a potential shift in the trajectory of Assange's case. Moreover, Hoggard's remarks shed light on broader concerns regarding government secrecy and the need for transparency in democratic processes. As the debate continues to unfold, it underscores the significance of Assange's plight in shaping discussions around democracy, freedom of information, and international relations.