[The severity of our battles] is a reflection of the quality and importance of our work. - Julian Assange
This is a "WikiLeaks News Update", a daily news update of stories relating directly to WikiLeaks and also freedom of information, transparency, cybersecurity, and freedom of expression.
News
- ACLU and EFF, on behalf of Birgitta Jonsdottir, have filed an appeal requesting secret court dockets and secret orders pertaining to the Twitter/WikiLeaks case be unsealed. The appeal was filed jointly with two other twitter users who also had their private data subpoenaed as a result of an investigation on WikiLeaks – Jacob Appelbaum and Rop Gonggrijp. The decision requiring Twitter to turn over their records is not being challenged.
- Important developments took place recently regarding Bradley Manning’s case:
- A second recommendation to court-martial Bradley was sent to Maj. Gen. Michael S. Linnington, commander of the Military District of Washington, who will make the final decision;
- The US Government again refused to allow the production of key defense witnesses;
- Bradley Manning’s defense filed a new discovery request for information on damage assessments by the US government regarding WikiLeaks;
- Alexa O’Brien continues to investigate the US government’s investigation on Bradley Manning, WikiLeaks and Julian Assange. In a new piece, Alexa analyses the lack of impartiality of Investigating Officer Almanza, the judge at Bradley Manning’s Article 32 pre-trial hearing, and establishes a likely connection between him and intelligence contractors investigating WikiLeaks.
- A complaint was filed with the United Nations’ Special Rapporteur, based on WikiLeaks cables that show Spain was pressured to stop Bush torture trials.
- Washington Vs. Mankind, a piece written by Julian Assange was published in Russian Pioneer. It offers a personal account of his travelling and work experiences and also plans for his future and that of WikiLeaks.
- Rixstep has announced that a book will be published this Spring exposing Claes Borgström’s corruption. He is a Swedish politician who also represents the two complainants in the case against Julian Assange.
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Upcoming WikiLeaks Dates (updated)
January 19: Col. Carl Coffman sent his recommendation to court-martial Bradley Manning to Maj. Gen. Michael S. Linnington, who will make a final decision.
January 28: WikiLeaks debate in Houston (Texas). Julian Assange’s lawyer Geoffrey Robertson QC will participate via Skype, from London.
February 1 & 2: Julian Assange’s extradition appeal will be heard by the Supreme Court. Hearing will likely last 2 days. A support demonstration is planned in London outside of the Supreme Court, starting at 8:30AM. How to attend.
Sydney Vigil for Julian Assange.
new February 17: Don't Shoot the Messenger: WikiLeaks, Assange and Democracy panel in Sydney, with speakers: Senator Ludlam, Christine Assange and Humphrey McQueen. Chaired by Mary Kostakidis.
April 25-29: WikiLeaks spokesperson Kristinn Hrafnsson and L’Espresso journalist Stefania Maurizi, who has worked on several WikiLeaks releases, will speak at the International Journalism Festival in Perugia (Italy).
May 23: Julian Assange will speak at the Enterprise Information Management Congress 2012 (Netherlands).
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Action Campaigns (updated)
WikiLeaks
413 days of unlawful financial blockade.
Julian Assange
410 days under house arrest without charge.
- Show your support for Julian Assange at the Supreme Court of London, February 1 and 2, at 8:30AM. More information on how to attend at Free Julian Assange Now campaign by Liberté Info.
A Vigil is also planned in Sydney.
- Australia: Contact your MP or Senator demanding Justice for Julian Assange! Threaten your vote if action to defend the rights of Julian Assange, an Australian citizen, is not taken.
Here is a short guide with tips on How To Get Politicians’ Attention, which may be helpful.
- Nominate Julian Assange and WikiLeaks for the Nobel Peace Prize 2012: campaign website.
- Send at least one of the several call to action draft letters addressed to European organizations and Members of the European Parliament requesting action over the unjust treatment of Julian Assange.
Bradley Manning
607 days detained in military jail.
- new Tell Maj. Gen. Linnington, the man who will decide if Bradley Manning is to face court-martial, to drop the charge of ‘aiding the enemy’.
- I am Bradley Manning campaign website with photos of supporters from around the world. Submit your own!
- A challenge proposed by the Bradley Manning Support Network: Stand with Bradley until his trial is over - pledge a monthly donation for the length of the trial. For more details see bradleymanning.org
Rudolf Elmer
- Liberté Info started a campaign to make whistleblower Rudolf Elmer’s trial an international issue. The campaign page is constantly updated with new developments on his case. Readers are encouraged to share.
