Bowling Green Today

U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) has joined forces with 15 other bipartisan Members of Congress to send 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 highlight that journalists have a duty to seek out sources and document evidence in order to inform the public about the activities of the government. They argue that the United States should not pursue unnecessary prosecution that risks criminalizing common journalistic practices and chilling the work of the free press. The Members urge President Biden to bring the case to a close as soon as possible.

Joining Dr. 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).

This bipartisan effort highlights the concern over the potential chilling effect that the prosecution of Julian Assange could have on journalism and the free press. It underscores the importance of upholding the principles of free speech and freedom of the press, even in the face of controversial figures like Assange.

The support from both Republicans and Democrats demonstrates the broad consensus on the need to protect journalistic practices and ensure that the work of the free press can continue without undue interference. By joining forces across party lines, these Members of Congress send a powerful message about the importance of preserving the integrity of journalism and defending the rights of journalists to carry out their vital work.

As the case against Julian Assange continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the Biden administration will respond to this bipartisan call to end the extradition request and halt the prosecution. The outcome of this case will have far-reaching implications for the future of press freedom and the ability of journalists to hold governments accountable.

In a time when the role of the media is under scrutiny and the boundaries of journalism are being tested, this bipartisan letter serves as a reminder of the fundamental principles that underpin a free and democratic society. The protection of free speech and the freedom of the press are essential pillars of democracy, and it is encouraging to see bipartisan support for these values in action.

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/