Bowling Green Today

U.S. Senator Rand Paul has joined a bipartisan group of Members of Congress in urging President Biden to end the prosecution of Australian publisher Julian Assange. In a letter signed by 16 lawmakers, including Rep. Jim McGovern, Rep. Thomas Massie, and Rep. Rashida Tlaib, the Members emphasize the importance of preserving free speech and freedom of the press.

The letter highlights that journalists have a duty to seek out sources and report on government activities, and that prosecuting Assange risks criminalizing common journalistic practices. The Members urge President Biden to bring the case to a close in a timely manner.

Dr. Paul and his colleagues sent the letter in an effort to protect the work of the free press and ensure that journalistic practices are not chilled. The bipartisan group includes Rep. Eric Burlison, Rep. Ilhan Omar, and Rep. Ayanna Pressley, among others.

In a statement, Dr. Paul said, "It is essential that we uphold the principles of free speech and freedom of the press. Prosecuting Julian Assange unnecessarily could have a chilling effect on journalism and impede the public's right to information. We urge President Biden to consider the implications of this case and put an end to the prosecution."

The letter comes amid ongoing discussions about the extradition request against Assange, who is currently facing prosecutorial proceedings. The Members of Congress argue that the United States should not pursue a prosecution that could undermine the work of journalists and hinder the public's access to information.

The bipartisan nature of the letter demonstrates the wide-ranging concern among lawmakers about the potential consequences of prosecuting Assange. The signatories include Rep. Pramila Jayapal, Rep. Matt Rosendale, and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, among others.

It remains to be seen how President Biden will respond to the letter and whether it will influence the ongoing legal proceedings against Assange. However, the bipartisan support for ending the prosecution sends a strong message about the importance of protecting free speech and the role of the press in a democratic society.

The full letter can be read on Senator Rand Paul's website.

To find out more, go to this link: https://www.paul.senate.gov/dr-rand-paul-joins-bipartisan-letter-urging-the-u-s-to-end-prosecution-of-julian-assange/