Australian MPs, Advocates Urge Biden to Fully Pardon Julian Assange

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange waves after arriving at Canberra Airport in Canberra, Australia on June 26, 2024. William West/AFP via Getty Images

A coalition of Australians, including independent Members of Parliament and prominent human rights advocates, has called on outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden to grant a full and unconditional pardon to WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange.

The open letter, signed on Jan. 17, urged Biden to set aside Assange’s conviction and reinforce the shared democratic values between Australia and the United States.

It raises concerns that Assange’s recent guilty plea, part of a deal that ended his 14-year legal ordeal, sets a troubling precedent for press freedom.

It is the group’s last appeal to Biden before President-elect Donald Trump takes office from Jan. 20.

The letter also criticises the United States Espionage Act conviction, calling it a dangerous example of governments targeting journalists and whistleblowers.

“The deal which forced him to plead guilty in exchange for his freedom endangers journalists worldwide and undermines Australia and the United States’ longstanding commitment to press freedom and democratic accountability,” the letter reads.

Among the signatories are MPs Zoe Daniel, Helen Haines, Monique Ryan, David Pocock, Kylea Tink, and Andrew Wilkie, as well as representatives from the Human Rights Law Centre, the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance, and The Australia Institute.

Emma Shortis of The Australia Institute said, “An unconditional pardon is the logical next step in protecting democratic accountability when it is under threat across the world.”

Assange Highlights Global Press Freedom Risks

In his first public address following his release in June 2024, Assange spoke to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), highlighting the risks his case poses to global press freedom.

He recounted the U.S. government’s prolonged effort to prosecute him for publishing classified information, describing it as a significant erosion of free speech rights worldwide.

“Only American citizens enjoy free speech rights under U.S. law, while citizens of other nations are still bound by U.S. secrecy laws,” Assange said.

He argued that this legal disparity exposes foreign journalists to extradition and prosecution for reporting on U.S. government activities, setting a dangerous precedent for press freedom globally.

Assange also detailed the legal challenges that followed his initial investigation, which was closed under President Barack Obama but reopened under subsequent administrations.

He pointed to the plight of Chelsea Manning, the whistleblower who provided testimony against him, as an example of the harsh consequences faced by those challenging governmental secrecy.

Broader Implications for Democracy and Transparency

Assange’s case has drawn significant attention to the intersection of press freedom, democracy, and international law.

Advocates argue that granting him a pardon would not only rectify past injustices but also reaffirm the shared values of transparency and accountability within the Australia-U.S. alliance.

“Julian Assange’s case goes to the heart of democracy and freedom,” said Shortis.

“An unconditional pardon would reinforce those values at a time when they are under immense pressure worldwide.”