Political reactions to the release of Julian Assange
The release of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange following a plea deal with the US Department of Justice has sparked a wave of responses on the global political stage.
Junts per Catalunya leader Carles Puigdemont has expressed his satisfaction at Assange’s release after more than a decade of legal disputes. In a publication, Puigdemont highlighted that this news had been expected for a long time, putting an end to unjust suffering and a deprivation of freedom that has shocked defenders of human rights and journalism. Furthermore, he has emphasized that, in the face of those who remained silent, Assange’s release is a cause for joy.
The president of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, has also congratulated Assange on his release, calling his prolonged imprisonment an attack on press freedom worldwide. Likewise, he has pointed out that denouncing the massacre of civilians in Iraq due to the war action of the United States was Assange’s alleged crime, and has invited the activist and his wife to celebrate an event in favor of true freedom .
The president of Mexico, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, has celebrated the release of Julian Assange, highlighting that this situation shows that the Statue of Liberty is not an empty symbol, but represents the joy of millions in the world.
Nicolás Maduro, president of Venezuela, has described Assange as an example of courage and bravery in the fight for the truth, congratulating him on behalf of the Venezuelan people and highlighting that his release represents a triumph for freedom and the defense of human rights.
Australian President Anthony Albanese has expressed the desire for Julian Assange to return to Australia, stating that there is no benefit to his imprisonment and that the Australian population longs for his return.
International support for Assange’s release
Former Greek Minister Yanis Varoufakis has urged the defense of political prisoners, highlighting that fighting for what is right, even in the face of the worst circumstances, is never in vain. He has called for redoubled efforts to free all political prisoners anywhere in the world.
From Òmnium Cultural, satisfaction has been expressed for Assange’s release, highlighting its support for just causes and underlining that journalism should never be considered a crime.
The president of Junts per Catalunya, Laura Borràs, has celebrated Assange’s release as a great day for press freedom, civil and political rights, highlighting the importance of this event for those who love and defend freedom and human rights.