Assange's Father Says Whistleblower Ready To Fight For Release, Press Freedom
Fahad Shabbir (@FahadShabbir) Published July 03, 2019 | 03:00 PM
The health of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, who is currently serving a 50-week sentence in a UK prison, has stabilized, and he is ready to fight for his release and the freedom of press, Assange's father, John Shipton, said on Wednesday, as cited by the AAP news agency
MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 03rd July, 2019) The health of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, who is currently serving a 50-week sentence in a UK prison, has stabilized, and he is ready to fight for his release and the freedom of press, Assange's father, John Shipton, said on Wednesday, as cited by the AAP news agency.
"His health has stabilized and his spirit is extremely strong, and [he is] determined to fight for his freedom and for freedom of the press to inform us of what our governments are doing," Shipton said.
Shipton and many supporters of the renowned whistleblower, an Australian native, gathered at Federation Square in the Australian city of Melbourne to celebrate Assange's 48th birthday on Wednesday. Melbourne is one of 60 cities across the globe that joined the celebrations devoted to the event.
"It's very distressing and one can't think too much about it without becoming overwrought, so it's best to attend to practical matters, to assure that Julian can come home and we can have a cup of coffee together at Fed Square," Shipton said.
In April, all eyes were on Assange's arrest after seven years of him taking refuge in the Ecuadorian embassy in London after jumping bail, which is the reason why he is currently serving time in a UK prison.
The WikiLeaks founder sought refuge at the embassy of the Latin American nation after Sweden leveled rape charges against him in 2010. Assange has denied these allegations, and in 2017 Sweden dropped the case against him. In May, however, shortly after the arrest, Swedish prosecutors announced that they had reopened the rape investigation.
The whistleblower is facing extradition to the United States, where he is wanted on espionage charges and may be sentenced to 175 years in prison.
Meanwhile, WikiLeaks Editor-in-Chief Kristinn Hrafnsson told Sputnik that the organization would not give up its efforts to free Assange before the hearing on the United States' extradition request happens in February 2020. He also stressed that the WikiLeaks website would go on working against all odds.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Pakistan launches ICC T20 World Cup preparations on Thursday
Faisal Gandapur issued notice over violation of election code of conduct
Response received by PM at int'l level - a new milestone in foreign policy: Atta ..
Tandoors defying price cuts to face action in Attock
Balochistan High Court bans road blockage during VIP moment
Police officers directed to conduct investigations keeping punishment in mind
Biden urges Congress to pass 'pivotal' Ukraine, Israel war aid
Israel reserves 'right to protect itself' after Iran attack: Netanyahu
IGP issues orders for provision of relief to police employees, their families
Farmers advised to cultivate certified BT cotton varieties
Sweden passes disputed gender reassignment law
Minister emphasizes govt's commitment for enhancing health insurance benefit to ..
More Stories From World
-
Biden urges Congress to pass 'pivotal' Ukraine, Israel war aid
30 minutes ago -
Israel reserves 'right to protect itself' after Iran attack: Netanyahu
25 minutes ago -
Sweden passes disputed gender reassignment law
25 minutes ago -
China prepares for next manned mission
25 minutes ago -
Iran rescues 21 Sri Lankan crew from sinking ship: media
35 minutes ago -
Magnitude 6.3 quake hits western Japan, no tsunami warning
25 minutes ago
-
German intelligence officer denies Russia spying charges
25 minutes ago -
Mideast crisis to dominate G7 ministers meeting on Capri
25 minutes ago -
China says US shipbuilding probe 'full of false accusations'
25 minutes ago -
ASML shares dive on lower profits
25 minutes ago -
Dubai roads, airport reel from floods after record rains
1 hour ago -
Song, dance, and the Koran: Ethiopia's Harari celebrate centuries-old festival
1 hour ago