Had the FBI and Mike Pompeo Had Their Way, Julian Would’ve Never Been Released – And Might Not Have Even Lived
In a world where freedom of speech and press is constantly under threat, the release of Julian Assange from Belmarsh prison is a victory for truth and justice. However, this victory was not easily won. The FBI and Mike Pompeo, former Director of the CIA, were determined to silence Assange and keep him imprisoned, even at the cost of his life. It is a chilling reminder of the power and reach of those who seek to suppress the truth.
For those who may not be familiar with the case, Julian Assange is an Australian journalist and founder of WikiLeaks, a non-profit organization that publishes classified information and news leaks from anonymous sources. He rose to fame in 2010 when WikiLeaks released a series of classified documents, including the infamous “Collateral Murder” video, which showed a US helicopter gunship killing innocent civilians in Iraq. Since then, Assange has been a target of the US government, who see him as a threat to their national security.
In 2019, Assange was arrested in London after spending seven years in the Ecuadorian embassy, where he sought asylum to avoid extradition to the United States. He was charged with 18 counts, including violating the Espionage Act, and faced a sentence of up to 175 years in prison. The US government, with the help of the FBI and Mike Pompeo, was determined to make an example out of Assange and send a message to anyone who dares to expose their secrets.
But the fight for Assange’s freedom was far from over. His legal team, along with human rights organizations and activists, tirelessly fought against his extradition to the US. They argued that Assange’s extradition would be a violation of his human rights and that he would not receive a fair trial in the US. The case was closely watched by the international community, with many fearing the consequences of Assange’s extradition.
Finally, in January 2021, a UK judge ruled against Assange’s extradition, citing concerns over his mental health and the conditions he would face in a US prison. It was a moment of relief and celebration for those who have been fighting for Assange’s release. But it is also a reminder of the grave consequences that could have occurred if the FBI and Mike Pompeo had their way.
Assange’s mental and physical health had deteriorated significantly during his time in prison. He was denied access to proper medical care and was subjected to solitary confinement and other forms of psychological torture. His lawyers have repeatedly raised concerns about his well-being, but their pleas fell on deaf ears. It is not an exaggeration to say that had Assange been extradited to the US, he might not have even lived to see his trial.
Moreover, the charges against Assange were a direct attack on press freedom and the public’s right to know. If he had been convicted, it would have set a dangerous precedent for journalists and whistleblowers around the world. It would have given the US government the power to prosecute anyone who exposes their wrongdoings, effectively silencing the truth.
The release of Julian Assange is a victory for the freedom of the press and the right to information. It is a reminder that the fight for justice is not easy, but it is worth it. It is also a testament to the power of people coming together and standing up against injustice. The support and solidarity shown by activists, journalists, and ordinary citizens played a crucial role in securing Assange’s release.
But the fight is not over yet. The US government has appealed the UK court’s decision, and Assange’s legal battle is far from over. It is essential to continue to raise our voices and demand that the charges against him be dropped. We must also demand accountability for those who have been complicit in his persecution, including the FBI and Mike Pompeo.
In conclusion, the release of Julian Assange is a significant victory, but it is also a stark reminder of the threats to press freedom and the power of those who seek to suppress the truth. We must continue to defend the right to free speech and the right to know, and we must never forget the role played by the FBI and Mike Pompeo in trying to silence Julian Assange. Let us celebrate this victory, but let us also remain vigilant and continue to fight for justice and truth.
