John Shipton Speaks On His Son Julian Assange’s Torture in Brisbane

John Shipton with Julian Assange’s sister

In a packed hall in Brisbane, John Shipton spoke on his son’s continued torture. He spoke eloquently as always in a soft spoken tone (article can be seen here), stating:

“Not once has Julian complained. Not once did he complain or moan about his situation. I don’t know if he thinks it’s worth it, but as far as I can see from the outside, his resolve is undiminished… I’ve never found any bitterness in Julian.”

As Assange languishes and slowly deteriorates in Belmarsh prison, Assange’s Father has embarked on a Justice For Julian campaign in hopes of freeing his son. Assange is being held by the U.K. government to be extradited to the U.S. where he faces 18 indictments under the ancient Espionage Act of 1917. He faces up to 175 years in prison or possibly the death penalty if convicted for publishing documents exposing war crimes. The New York Times and the Guardian also published the same documents but have not been prosecuted.

If extradited and convicted this will set a precedent against any journalist who publishes U.S. military data and crimes in the future and violates the U.S. First Amendment of the Constitution providing for free speech and free press. This is an illegal act against international law and human rights. The persecution of Julian Assange is a tyrannical abuse of government power against the individual. It may be soon be used against you.