28 April 2022

Akademie der Künste again demands the release
of Julian Assange

On 20 April 2022, the British judiciary formally approved the extradition of Wikileaks founder Julian Assange to the US, where he is accused of espionage. The decision has to be approved by British Home Secretary Priti Patel within two months. If convicted in the US, Julian Assange is facing life imprisonment. In his case, this would be up to 175 years. All because an investigative journalist did his job. 

The Akademie der Künste notes the court decision with great concern and repeats its demand for the release of the journalist, current affairs commentator and publisher. The court’s treatment of Julian Assange to date is an example of the erosion of basic democratic principles. The expected transfer to US courts will have far-reaching consequences for the situation of all journalists worldwide and, as a direct result of this, for scientists and artists, too. Nothing less than the freedom of expression is under threat.

Julian Assange is being made an example of to intimidate and weaken the Fourth Estate. It would be fatal to abandon the freedom of the press, science and art via supposedly democratic institutions.

The Akademie der Künste calls on German and European politicians to prove their credibility and vehemently campaign for the release of Julian Assange.

Cf. press release of 27 October 2021 >> more
Cf. press release of 16 December 2019 >> more