Quantcast

North Kentucky News

Friday, November 22, 2024

Rep. Thomas Massie Invites Julian Assange's Brother to State of the Union Address

Webp zpgvcy6mg6jx7ekqyyjl7rrm1r7d

Congressman Thomas Massie | Official U.S. House headshot

Congressman Thomas Massie | Official U.S. House headshot

Representative Thomas Massie has announced that Gabriel Shipton, brother of imprisoned journalist Julian Assange, will be attending the State of the Union Address as his guest. Mr. Shipton is a prominent advocate for Mr. Assange's release.

"The U.S. government’s ongoing effort to prosecute Julian Assange threatens the First Amendment rights of Americans and should be opposed," stated Rep. Thomas Massie. "During his term in office, I asked President Trump to pardon Mr. Assange, and I was disappointed by his failure to do so. President Biden should drop the criminal charges currently being pursued by the Department of Justice. I am pleased Mr. Shipton has accepted my invitation to join me at the State of the Union."

In response, Mr. Gabriel Shipton expressed his gratitude, saying, "I am honored to be Representative Massie's guest at the State of the Union address. The prosecution of Julian Assange is a direct attack on the 1st amendment and the freedom of the press to publish information in the public interest. Rep. Massie is a fierce defender of these rights having introduced legislation that would protect my brother Julian and put an end to the espionage act being weaponized against publishers. I hope President Biden can take a new look at the indictment and see it for the threat to democracy that it is."

Mr. Shipton's attendance at the State of the Union will draw attention to a bipartisan letter previously sent to President Biden by Rep. Massie and Rep. Jim McGovern, asking him to "halt all prosecutorial proceedings" against Julian Assange. The letter, which Senator Rand Paul is among the signatories of, urges President Biden to act swiftly on the matter.

The State of the Union Address, to be delivered by President Joe Biden on Thursday, March 7 at 9:00 PM, will serve as a platform for discussing crucial issues, including the case of Julian Assange and the protection of First Amendment rights.

ORGANIZATIONS IN THIS STORY

!RECEIVE ALERTS

The next time we write about any of these orgs, we’ll email you a link to the story. You may edit your settings or unsubscribe at any time.
Sign-up

DONATE

Help support the Metric Media Foundation's mission to restore community based news.
Donate

MORE NEWS