https://www.nuj.org.uk/resource/cia-reportedly-plotted-to-kidnap-and-assassinate-julian-assange.html
CIA reportedly plotted to kidnap and assassinate Julian Assange - 28 Sep 2021 Media reports that the CIA considered criminal acts in pursuit of Julian Assange are deeply troubling. Reacting to an investigation by [Yahoo! News](https://yhoo.it/3uudlVn), NUJ general secretary Michelle Stanistreet said: > “The suggestion that US security services even considered kidnapping and > murder on the streets of a trusted ally is chilling. That such acts might > have been contemplated as a reaction to an individual who had simply > published inconvenient truths is all the more troubling. > > “At Assange's extradition hearings, the US government did not contest > evidence that individuals allegedly working on its behalf had bugged the > Ecuadorian embassy in London, followed Assange’s family and associates, and > burgled the office of his lawyer. That context makes these fresh allegations > all the more difficult to dismiss. > > “If true, the story from Yahoo! News’ blows a hole in the case made by the US > government that its attempt to extradite Assange is not politically motivated. > > “I am calling on the UK home secretary to explain whether the security > services had any involvement in, or knowledge of, these plans. > > “Furthermore, it is clear that when the US appeal against the dismissal of > its extradition application in respect of Assange is heard in October, it > should be dismissed out of hand and its subject released at once.” The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) general secretary, Anthony Bellanger, said: > “If these accusations are true, it would cast a long shadow over all > independent journalism and they would once again prove that extraditing > Assange to the United States would put his life at serious risk. We are > calling for a full investigation and for the British authorities to release > him immediately.” Sent from ProtonMail for iOS
