Mr. Attorney General,

Julian Assange is currently being held at Belmarsh, a high security prison in the UK, on the basis of a

US extradition request on charges that stem directly from the publication of disclosed documents

as part of his work with Wikileaks. Amnesty International strongly opposes any possibility of Julian

Assange being extradited or sent in any other manner to the USA. There, he faces a real risk of

serious human rights violations including possible detention conditions that would amount to

torture and other ill-treatment (such as prolonged solitary confinement).

The fact that he was the target of a negative public campaign by US officials at the highest levels undermines his right to be

presumed innocent and puts him at risk of an unfair trial.

Julian Assange’s publication of disclosed documents as part of his work with Wikileaks should not

be punishable as this activity mirrors conduct that investigative journalists undertake regularly in

their professional capacity. Prosecuting Julian Assange on these charges could have a chilling effect

on the right to freedom of expression, leading journalists to self-censor from fear of prosecution.

Protect the right to freedom of expression. Urge the US authorities to drop the charges against

Julian Assange that stem solely from his publishing activities with Wikileaks.

Yours sincerely