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The Council of Europe recognizes the risks to human rights, rule of law and democratic principles from treatment of Julian Assange

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On Wednesday, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe adopted Resolution 2571, enshrining the conclusions of a report on “The detention and conviction of Julian Assange and their chilling effects on human rights”, submitted by Ms Sunna Ævarsdóttir and her Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights.

 

In the wake of Julian Assange’s striking testimony to the committee, the plenary assembly recognized the value of the journalistic work carried out by Julian and WikiLeaks. In particular, the resolution recalls the

importance of a free press, whose role as a “public watchdog” guarantees the proper functioning of democratic states governed by the rule of law.

 

The dissuasive effect of the US prosecution of Julian, which the resolution notes is disproportionate, is already leading journalists and whistleblowers around the world to censor themselves. In the face of such threats, the Parliamentary Assembly invites Europe to reaffirm its singularity, to defend its attachment to the principles on which the rule of law is founded, and to strengthen measures to prevent such situations from recurring.

 

Further information

Resolution 2571 of October 2, 2024: The detention and conviction of Julian Assange and their chilling effects on human rights

 

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Webcast

The report of September 13, 2024: The detention and conviction of Julian Assange and their chilling effects on human rights