Two UN Rapporteurs Are Concerned About Julian Assange’s Situation

Special UN rapporteurs Joe Cannatucci and Nils Melzer have both expressed concern in Assange’s current situation and also are troubled about his health.

Stefania Maurizi tweeted the following with this link:

According to the report Melzer stated:

“In my assessment, if Mr. Assange were to be expelled from the Embassy of Ecuador, he is likely to be arrested by British authorities and extradited to the United States,” said the UN expert. “Such a response could expose him to a real risk of serious violations of his human rights, including his freedom of expression, his right to a fair trial and the prohibition of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

“I therefore urge the Government of Ecuador to abstain from expelling Mr. Assange from its Embassy in London, or from otherwise ceasing or suspending his political asylum until such time as the full protection of his human rights can be guaranteed.

“Should Mr. Assange come under British jurisdiction for any reason, I urge the British Government to refrain from expelling, returning or extraditing Mr. Assange to the United States or any other jurisdiction, until his right to asylum under refugee law or subsidiary protection under international human rights law has been determined in a transparent and impartial proceeding granting all due process and fair trial guarantees, including the right to appeal,” said Melzer.

“According to information I have received, Mr. Assange is at risk of extreme vulnerability, and his health is in serious decline. I therefore appeal to the Ecuadorian authorities to continue to provide him, to the fullest extent possible in the circumstances, with adequate living conditions and access to appropriate medical care.

“I am currently preparing a formal request to the Governments of Ecuador and the United Kingdom to carry out an on-site visit to Mr. Assange, and to meet with the relevant authorities of both States in order to assess the situation and risks faced by Mr. Assange in light of the universal and absolute prohibition of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

“Extradition without due process safeguards, including an individual risk assessment and adequate protection measures violates international law, particularly if the destination State practices the death penalty and has not disclosed the criminal charges held against the person concerned. Under such circumstances, the international legal prohibition of ‘refoulement’ is absolute, regardless of considerations of national security, political expediency or any other similar considerations,” the Special Rapporteur said.

Joe Cannatucci plans on meeting with Julian on April 25th, 2019. Hopefully Assange will still be there.

Ecuador’s former president Rafael Correa spoke out against the ending of Assange’s asylum as well today seen here. He has often called the gagging of Assange over the last year “torture”.

It also appears that the government of Ecuador may be backing down on their threats, at least for now. Possibly due to the outrage expressed by supporters and independent journalists alike. What media has responded seems to be waiting in anticipation for him to be expelled like hungry luons waiting to strike.

Media continued to show up outside the embassy hungry for action last night along with supporters who are their to stand watch. In fact, Cassandra Fairbanks is on her way now to report on the latest developments.

When even the special rapporteur on “torture” is showing deep concern for Assange’s situation, isn’t it time that Moreno backed off and restored Julian’s rights?

President Trump needs to quit his hypocritical stance on assange and actually show his lobe for Wikileaks by freeing Assange. After stating over 150 times his love preelection, his administration has actually furthered Julian’s persecution.

Given the information we have recieeved as supporters, we need to protest enmasse. It’s time filksto take a big bite out of this attempt to destroy our human rights!