2011-11-17 #WikiLeaks News: #day4JA with Christine Assange; Rudolf Elmer’s appeal; Other Updates

Protesters gathered in Canberra this morning for a rally in support of WikiLeaks, Julian Assange and Bradley Manning. The protest happened as U.S. President Barack Obama was visiting Canberra to announce the expansion of U.S. military presence in Australia.

Outside the Australian Parliament House, chants of Assange and Manning, let them go - Let us have our right to know were heard.
Christine Assange spoke against the extradition of her son Julian to the United States, declaring: “my son could be extradited to Sweden and then the U.S. in four weeks” where he could face “U.S. style justice”. She then referred to the appalling treatment of alleged whistleblower Bradley Manning - who has been under pre-trial detention in a military prison for 563 days - and the Australian government’s refusal to intervene for Julian Assange’s protection, saying: “The Australian government has done nothing for Julian.” She condemned the attitude of Australian leaders whom she described as ‘star-struck’ by Obama’s presence.
Christine ended her speech with the words: “Continue fighting for my son. Thank you”.

Below, a few images from the rally (all photos and information via Cassie Findlay, @CassPF on twitter, who live tweeted the protest).

You too can join this Global day of support for Julian Assange, WikiLeaks and Bradley Manning:

If you live in the UK, contact your MP ahead of a Parliamentary debate on extradition, on November 24, where Julian Assange’s case will be discussed.
Please bring his case to the attention of your MP: the EAW for Julian Assange was issued in abuse of process as it is being used for questioning, not for the purpose of having him prosecuted for an offense.
Julian Assange has been under house arrest for 345 days without charge.

More about EAW irregularities in this case.
Your MP should be easy to find on this list.


Otherwise, can take action by:

• Donating to WikiLeaks or to the Julian Assange defence fund

• Sending at least one of the several call to action and petitioning draft letters addressed to European organizations and Members of the European Parliament requesting action over the unjust treatment of Julian Assange.

• Signing this petition demanding Julian Assange be protected by the Australian Parliament from extradition to the United States.

• Participating in this week’s Call-in for Bradley Manning to the State Department and U.S. Military.

Rudolf Elmer appealed the guilty verdict today and dropped charges against his former employer, Swiss bank Julius Bär.
Prior to the hearing, Rudolf Elmer released a Statement where he explains his motivations as a whistle-blower. Regarding his sentence, he wrote:

“(…) in 2008, the American judiciary, based on the 1st amendment of the U.S. Constitution ‘Free Speech and Free Press’, weighed the interest in the abuse higher in the case of Julius Bär vs Wikileaks and have not discussed Wikileaks’ motives.

Thus, the district court is in its decision in conflict with The European Court of Human Rights, the decision of the European Council, and goes against the global trend to protect whistle-blowers.”

Update - No verdict was issued as the Court declared 'lack of clear evidence' to rule on Rudolf Elmer's appeal.

• Sweden Vs. Assange confirm lawyer Björn Hurtig is no longer representing Julian Assange in Sweden. Hurtig was replaced with Thomas Olsson and Per E. Samuelson.

• Launch of German publication ‘Philosophy Magazine’. In its first number Julian Assange is interviewed by philosopher Peter Singer.

• An article about the possible extradition of Julian Assange to the U.S. also analyses the Occupy movement, influenced by WikiLeaks.

• Holiday/Christmas items and news designs are now available at the WikiLeaks Shop: proceeds go entirely to WikiLeaks.
  There are two different models of Holiday stockings, one is only being sold in the United States, the other one in Europe.

  

  
  
  

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  November 14 to November 18: a Call-in to The White House and Military to Demand UN Access to Bradley Manning is happening this week.

  November 17: Led by Christine Assange, Julian Assange's mother, an antiwar protest, also against Julian's extradition and U.S. government’s measures against WikiLeaks occurs in front of the Parliament House in Canberra on the occasion of US President Obama's visit to Australia. Please join.
  Know more about this protest.

  November 17: whistleblower Rudolf Elmer's appeal hearing takes place. Prosecution requests 'convicted on all charges' verdict and increased sentence.

  Before November 24: the UK Parliament will, on November 24 debate the extradition of Julian Assange, among other cases. If you live in the UK, write your MP on the subject ahead of this debate. Here’s how. (All details about this case at Sweden vs. Assange)

  November 28: a new WikiLeaks online submission system is to be launched.

  November 28: Julian Assange and Kristinn Hrafnsson debate the topic The WikiLeaks effect: the rebirth of investigative journalism at the GEN News World Summit (Hong Kong).

  November 29: Channel 4 the airs new special ‘WikiLeaks: Secrets and Lies’.

  December 5: Public hearing for Julian Assange’s appeal at the Royal Courts of Justice (London).

  December 17: Vigil for Bradley Manning on his 24th Birthday:
  Saturday, December 17 · 12:00am - 11:30pm
  [For more details, see Vigil for Bradley Manning on his 24th Birthday's facebook page.]
  Send small gifts and birthday cards to the following address

Bradley Manning 89289
830 Sabalu Road
Fort Leavenworth, KS 6602


Other action campaigns in support of WikiLeaks/Julian Assange

• If you live in Australia: click here to complain to the ACCC (Australian Competition & Consumer Commission) about the Banking Blockade against WikiLeaks.