People are asking Biden to stop the case against Julian Assange on World Press Freedom Day.

On a momentous occasion like World Press Freedom Day, a group of Australian lawmakers took a bold stand by writing an open letter to President Biden. The lawmakers, representing various political parties, collectively urged Biden to halt the prosecution of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, who is currently incarcerated in a U.K. prison fighting extradition to the U.S. on espionage charges related to the publication of classified American military documents.

The co-chairs of the “Bring Julian Assange Home” Parliamentary Friendship Group – Members of Parliament Andrew Wilkie, Josh Wilson, Bridget Archer, and Sen. David Shoebridge – emphasized the importance of press freedom in their plea to President Biden. Assange, facing 17 counts under the Espionage Act, could potentially be sentenced to 175 years in a U.S. maximum security prison if extradited and convicted.

The charges against Assange stem from WikiLeaks’ 2010 publication of cables leaked by U.S. Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning. These documents shed light on alleged war crimes committed by the U.S. government and instances of torture and rendition by the CIA. Despite the change in administration from Trump to Biden, the prosecution of Assange has persisted.

With a crucial hearing scheduled on May 20 at the British High Court in London to decide the fate of Assange’s extradition, the Australian lawmakers expressed hope for Assange’s freedom. They highlighted the suffering endured by Assange during his prolonged imprisonment without any substantial conviction, urging for his reunification with his family.

A glimmer of hope shone earlier when President Biden hinted at considering Australia’s request to drop the charges against Assange. However, the road to freedom remains arduous for Assange as legal battles and diplomatic negotiations continue to unfold.

Assange’s lawyers have steadfastly opposed his extradition, pointing out the harsh conditions he could face in a U.S. prison. The U.K. district court initially rejected the extradition request in 2021 due to concerns about Assange’s well-being, but subsequent assurances from the U.S. prompted higher courts to overturn that decision.

Assange’s plight has garnered international attention, with Australian lawmakers, press freedom groups, and advocates calling for his release. The Australian Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition have expressed the need to bring Assange’s prolonged saga to a close and allow him to return home.

Despite facing legal hurdles, Assange’s supporters remain resolute in their efforts to secure his freedom. A cross-party group of Australian lawmakers visited the U.S. in a bid to rally support for Assange’s cause, stressing the injustice of his continued prosecution.

The case of Julian Assange serves as a litmus test for press freedom worldwide. The prosecution of Assange has raised concerns among press freedom organizations, who view it as setting a dangerous precedent that could undermine journalistic freedom.

The fight for Assange’s freedom goes hand in hand with the broader struggle for press freedom globally. On World Press Freedom Day, it is imperative to remember the journalists facing legal challenges for their work in various parts of the world.

As the calls for Assange’s release grow louder, the pressure mounts on governments to uphold the principles of press freedom and protect journalists from unwarranted persecution. The fate of Julian Assange is not just a legal matter; it is a test of our commitment to safeguarding the freedom of the press.

Let us stand in solidarity with all journalists who risk their lives and liberties to bring vital information to the public. The battle for press freedom is far from over, but with collective efforts and unwavering determination, we can strive towards a world where journalists can work without fear of reprisal.