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Council of Europe Declares Assange Political Prisoner After His Testimony; Votes 88–13

Oct 2, 2024, 11:31 AM

The Council of Europe's Parliamentary Assembly has voted to recognize Julian Assange as a political prisoner, passing a resolution titled "The detention and conviction of Julian Assange and their chilling effects on human rights" with 88 votes in favor, 13 against, and 20 abstentions. The decision comes three months after Assange's release from Belmarsh prison in London and follows his testimony before the Assembly. The Assembly expressed concern over the harsh treatment and disproportionately severe charges brought against Assange by the United States, which sought his extradition. The resolution warns against the potential chilling effect on human rights and press freedom caused by his detention. The passage of the resolution was met with applause from the Assembly members.