OSCE Media Freedom Representative calls on the UK authorities not to extradite Julian Assange

VIENNA, 3 June 2022 – “In view of the imminent decision by UK’s Home Secretary Priti Patel on Julian Assange’s extradition to the US, I want to express my concern regarding the impact that such a decision can have on media freedom and investigative journalism”,  said OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Teresa Ribeiro.

The case of Julian Assange has preoccupied the public in many countries for over a decade, with many civil society and media organizations and public figures calling for Assange’s release.

“I call on the UK Home Secretary Priti Patel not to extradite Julian Assange. The public interest of several of the publications by WikiLeaks should be taken into account, as it contributed to important investigative reports and news reporting. It is essential to consider the impact on freedom of expression and media freedom if he is extradited and convicted. The fact that someone who disclosed material of public interest might face a long prison sentence could have a grave and lasting stifling impact on investigative journalism,” the Representative said.

In this light, the Representative reminded all OSCE participating States that they have adopted a set of commitments that consider freedom of expression and access to information as fundamental human rights and a basic component of democratic societies. “Access to information of public interest enables people to make well-informed choices and ensures transparency and accountability of governance,” concluded Ribeiro.

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. She provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.