2016-02-04
Friday morning Australian time, the United Nations Commission on Human Rights' Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (WGAD) will make a determination on the case of Julian Assange.
The mandate of the Working Group is to determine if individuals have been subjected to detention that is arbitrary or inconsistent with binding international obligations of the states in question.
"Julian Assange is an Australian citizen who has effectively been arbitrarily detained for more than five years," Australian Greens Deputy Leader Scott Ludlam said today.
"For two years, Mr Assange was subject to house arrest. For more than three, he has lived under political asylum in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London, under constant, foreboding police surveillance. He has not been charged with any crime in any country.
"Sweden and the United Kingdom failed to recognise Julian's right to asylum and safe passage, under conventions they are signatories to. Should WGAD find in Julian's favour, they will direct Sweden and the UK to ensure his liberty. He should be allowed safe passage to Ecuador, and this farce should be brought to an end.
"Regardless of the findings of the WGAD, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop should return Julian Assange's Australian passport to him. He should be free to continue his work as a journalist and publisher," Senator Ludlam said.