Bowling Green Today

Nov 14 2023

Recently, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) and 15 other bipartisan Members of Congress 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 aims to protect free speech and freedom of the press.

In the letter, the Members emphasize the importance of journalists seeking out sources and documentary evidence in order to report on government activities. They argue that the United States should not pursue unnecessary prosecution that risks criminalizing common journalistic practices, which could have a chilling effect on the work of the free press.

Dr. Rand Paul was joined in sending the letter by several other Members of Congress from both parties, including 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 letter concludes by urging President Biden to ensure that the case against Julian Assange is brought to a close as soon as possible.

This bipartisan effort reflects the growing concern among lawmakers about the potential impact of Assange's prosecution on press freedom. The case has garnered significant attention and debate, with supporters arguing that it sets a dangerous precedent for the prosecution of journalists and whistleblowers.

Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, is currently facing extradition to the United States from the United Kingdom. He is charged with multiple offenses, including publishing classified documents that exposed sensitive information about U.S. military and diplomatic activities.

The letter from Senator Rand Paul and the bipartisan Members of Congress adds to the ongoing conversation surrounding the prosecution of Julian Assange. It highlights the need to balance national security concerns with the protection of press freedom and the public's right to know.

The full text of the letter can be found [here](link to the letter). The letter serves as a powerful statement from lawmakers across the political spectrum who believe that the prosecution of Julian Assange should be brought to an end.

Click this link to access more information: https://www.paul.senate.gov/dr-rand-paul-joins-bipartisan-letter-urging-the-u-s-to-end-prosecution-of-julian-assange/