Australian MPs Rally for Julian Assange’s Return to Australia

Australian federal MPs, led by independent Andrew Wilkie, have united in a resounding call for the US and the UK to allow the WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to return to Australia. The parliamentary motion introduced by Wilkie received strong support with 86 votes in favor and 42 against, showcasing an unparalleled political backing for Assange within the Australian parliament.

The motion’s passing comes in the midst of Attorney General Mark Dreyfus confirming that the Assange case was discussed during his recent meeting with his US counterpart, Merrick Garland, in Washington DC. Dreyfus reiterated the government’s stance that it is time to bring the Assange matter to a close and emphasized that Assange should be allowed to return to his family in Australia.

Julian Assange remains incarcerated in Belmarsh prison in London as he fights extradition to the US, where he faces charges under the Espionage Act. The UK high court is set to hold a crucial two-day hearing next week regarding his extradition.

Wilkie’s successful move to suspend parliamentary standing orders paved the way for a dedicated debate on the Assange case in parliament. Both Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and opposition leader Peter Dutton have previously expressed the need for a resolution in Assange’s case, with Albanese stressing that ‘enough is enough’.

During the parliamentary debate, Wilkie urged fellow MPs to stand up for Assange, warning that time was running out. Labor MP Josh Wilson, seconding Wilkie’s motion, highlighted that similar classified material to that published by Assange had been released by US media outlets without facing legal consequences.

While some Coalition members, including Bridget Archer, crossed party lines to support the motion, others like Peter Dutton stood in opposition. The motion specifically underscored the shocking evidence of US misconduct revealed in the leaked documents published by WikiLeaks.

Julian Assange’s legal team is gearing up for his final appeal in the British High Court next week, representing his last chance to avert extradition to the US. The case has garnered international attention, with US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken acknowledging the prolonged nature of the legal proceedings against Assange.

Australian MPs, including both government and opposition members, have joined hands to rally for Assange’s return to Australia, emphasizing the importance of upholding press freedom and ensuring a fair resolution in his case.