Julian Assange’s half a decade in prison

April 11, 2024 — As of today, the award-winning journalist and publisher Julian Assange has been incarcerated in UK’s maximum security Belmarsh prison for five years, on no conviction and for publishing truthful information in the public interest.

Marking the occasion, Julian Assange’s wife Stella Assange has called on US President Joe Biden, who suggested the US is “considering” dropping the case, to “do the right thing” and “drop the charges”. At the same time, Australian PM Anthony Albanese has noted the Biden comment, calling it an “encouraging statement”.

Australian PM Anthony Albanese notes 'encouraging comments' from President Biden on an Australian request to drop the prosecution of Julian Assange, says there is "nothing to be gained" by the continued incarceration of Wikileaks publisher #FreeAssangeNOW pic.twitter.com/aIAhntu5TU
— WikiLeaks (@wikileaks) April 11, 2024

The anniversary was marked by supporters and free press organizations, which reiterated their calls for Julian Assange to be freed immediately.

Today marks five years of Julian Assange being detained in Belmarsh, a high security prison in the UK. The ongoing persecution of Assange makes a mockery of the USA’s obligations under international law and their stated commitment to freedom of expression. https://t.co/eN9SFKN7Tt
— Amnesty International (@amnesty) April 11, 2024

Today marks 5 years since #JulianAssange was arrested. He remains behind bars at Belmarsh prison in the #UK awaiting the decision on whether he can appeal his extradition to the #US. PEN International renews our call for his immediate release. Stop the extradition and… pic.twitter.com/B8Q3AoOOFS
— PEN International (@pen_int) April 11, 2024

🔴 Today marks 5 years that @wikileaks publisher Julian Assange has been detained at the UK’s high security Belmarsh prison – 1,827 days held on remand, convicted of no crime.
We call again for his immediate release and a stop to the endless extradition proceedings.#FreeAssange pic.twitter.com/oZA6ALKuNT
— RSF (@RSF_inter) April 11, 2024

Yesterday we wrote to @AlboMP & @SenatorWong urging them to publicly call upon the US government drop its charges against Julian Assange. It is encouraging to hear @POTUS say today the US is "considering" doing so. https://t.co/fhDiWwthhF #pressfreedom #MEAAmedia pic.twitter.com/aLrPNHc5AR
— MEAA (@withMEAA) April 11, 2024

Today marks five years that #WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has been imprisoned in the U.K. He is currently fighting against extradition to the U.S. where he would face prosecution on charges that would strike a blow to press freedom globally.

📢 We urge @POTUS to follow… pic.twitter.com/XKrMhICCzy
— Committee to Protect Journalists (@pressfreedom) April 11, 2024

📢 #FreeAssangeNOW: Today marks five years since Julian Assange is held in Belmarsh high security prison. It’s well past time for him to come home!

"If Julian Assange is jailed in the US, there is not a journalist on earth who will be safe" #IFJ President @DomPradalie. pic.twitter.com/Wjk6mMYQ7P
— IFJ (@IFJGlobal) April 11, 2024