Ecuador urged to reverse Julian Assange bans


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The president of Ecuador is being urged to reverse the internet and visitor bans imposed on WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange at its London embassy.


Among those signing a letter to Lenin Moreno are actress Pamela Anderson, musician Brian Eno, fashion designer Vivienne Westwood and former Greek minister Yanis Varoufakis.


Supporters of Julian Assange demonstrate outside the Ecuadorian embassy in London.

The appeal has been coordinated by campaign group the Courage Foundation.


The Ecuadorian Government decided earlier this week to stop Assange using the internet or social media from its embassy in London where he has been living for almost six years.


Assange’s self-imposed exile was instigated over sexual assault allegations by two women in Sweden and fears he will be extradited to the United States for questioning over the activities of WikiLeaks if he leaves.


The internet ban followed a tweet from Mr Assange about the recent detention of Catalan president Carles Puidgemont in Germany.


Julian Assange.

“This is not just a matter of showing support and solidarity. We are appealing to all who care about basic human rights to call on the government of Ecuador to continue defending the rights of a courageous free speech activist, journalist and whistleblower,” the Courage Foundation letter said.


“If there is no freedom of speech for Julian Assange, there is no freedom of speech for any of us – regardless of the disparate opinions we hold.”


A petition calling for the communications ban to be lifted has been signed by over 20,000 people.


Article source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/sbsnews-topstories/~3/BfLX19Q4eCQ/praise-for-australia-captain-tim-paine-s-gesture-of-respect

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