Bowling Green Today

U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) and 15 other bipartisan Members of Congress have sent a letter to President Biden, urging him to end the extradition request and halt all prosecutorial proceedings against Australian publisher Julian Assange. The letter emphasizes the importance of preserving free speech and freedom of the press.

In the letter, the Members state, "It is the duty of journalists to seek out sources, including documentary evidence, in order to report to the public on the activities of government. The United States must not pursue an unnecessary prosecution that risks criminalizing common journalistic practices and thus chilling the work of the free press. We urge you to ensure that this case be brought to a close in as timely a manner as possible."

Joining Senator Paul in sending the letter are Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA-02), Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY-04), Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-12), Rep. Eric Burlison (R-MO-07), Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN-05), Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ-09), Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA-07), Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA-07), Rep. Matt Rosendale (R-MT-02), Rep. Greg Casar (D-TX-35), Rep. Cori Bush (D-MO-01), Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY-16), Rep. Jesús "Chuy" García (D-IL-04), Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA-14), and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY-14).

The full letter can be read [here](link to the letter).

This bipartisan effort reflects the concern among lawmakers about the potential implications of Assange's prosecution on journalistic practices and the free press. The Members of Congress are united in their belief that the case against Assange should be brought to a close as soon as possible.

This development comes at a time when the role of journalists and the freedom of the press have been subjects of intense debate. It underscores the importance of protecting the rights of journalists to seek out information and report on government activities without fear of prosecution.

The letter from Senator Paul and his colleagues sends a strong message to the Biden administration, urging them to reconsider the prosecution of Julian Assange and to prioritize the preservation of free speech and freedom of the press.

As the United States continues to navigate the delicate balance between national security and the protection of civil liberties, this bipartisan effort serves as a reminder of the significance of upholding the principles that underpin a free society.

The voices of these Members of Congress, from both sides of the aisle, amplify the call to end the prosecution of Julian Assange and ensure that the work of the free press can continue without undue interference.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://www.paul.senate.gov/dr-rand-paul-joins-bipartisan-letter-urging-the-u-s-to-end-prosecution-of-julian-assange/