Source: Sputnik International
Assange: Plea Deal With US Precludes Appeals to Top European Rights Court
Julian Assange revealed that as part of his plea deal with the US, he cannot file a lawsuit with the European Court of Human Rights to challenge the verdict. This limitation was stipulated by the US government, preventing Assange from seeking justice through legal means.
Assange emphasized the sacrifice of freedom for an unattainable justice, facing a potential 175-year sentence. He expressed frustration over the lack of recourse and legal defense mechanisms in his case, highlighting the chilling effect on freedom of expression.
During his testimony before the Council of Europe, Assange condemned the global repression of journalists and publishers, particularly citing US government’s prosecution tactics. His ordeal sheds light on the threats to press freedom and the need for robust protections.
“Transnational repression cannot become the norm here… The rights of journalists and publishers within the European space are seriously threatened… The US government asserted a dangerous new global legal position: only US citizens have free speech rights. Europeans and others do not,” Assange stated.
Julian Assange’s plight represents a critical juncture in the fight for press freedom and government accountability. His role as the founder of WikiLeaks has been instrumental in exposing classified information and holding powerful entities accountable.