This is a "WikiLeaks News Update", a daily news update of stories relating directly to WikiLeaks and also freedom of information, transparency, cybersecurity, and freedom of expression.
News
- WikiLeaks issued a Press Release announcing the launch of a global television series in mid-March, hosted by Julian Assange, who will hold “in-depth conversations with key political players, thinkers and revolutionaries from around the world”, under the theme ‘The World Tomorrow’.
The series will be aired in 10 weekly half-hour episodes and its projected viewership is 600 million viewers. It will be available online as well. To enquire about licensing the series: contact@quickrollproductions.com
- The UK Supreme Court released the following details regarding public attendance of Julian Assange’s extradition hearing (February 1 and 2):
- Predicting a large number of visitors, the Supreme Court has arranged for an extra courtroom, where a feed of the proceedings will be shown;
- The hearing will live streamed online as well, by Sky News;
- Seats will be distributed according to arrival order.
- Christine Assange, Julian Assange’s mother, has created a blog to inform the public of the true facts surrounding Julian's extradition case, due to lack of accurate media coverage.
- Interpol faces a major lawsuit for allowing oppressive regimes to target dissidents, namely West Papua leader Benny Wenda, an activist who campaigns for the region’s independence from Indonesia. Julian Assange was himself target of an Interpol red notice issued in November 2010, just before WikiLeaks began to publish Cablegate.
- WikiLeaks’ legal representative Jennifer Robinson crossed paths with US Attorney General Eric Holder (accompanied by two secret service officers) at the Sundance Film Festival and took the opportunity to inquire about his intention to prosecute Julian Assange. Further information will be posted to her twitter account.
- Australian Greens Senator Scott Ludlam fears his iPhone may have been hacked by the federal government attempting to obtain information on former WikiLeaks spokesman Jacob Appelbaum while both were traveling together to the War On The Internet panel in Melbourne last week.
- War On The Internet, featuring Jacob Appelbaum, Bernard Keane, Suelette Dreyfus and Senator Scott Ludlam, is now available for viewing online, with the exception of an opening message from Julian Assange.
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Recent Press Coverage of WikiLeaks Releases
- WikiLeaks cables suggest Australian company iiNet was specifically chosen for a lawsuit by Hollywood companies that was endorsed by the US Embassy in Canberra.
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Upcoming WikiLeaks Dates (updated)
January 19: Col. Carl Coffman sent his recommendation to court-martial Bradley Manning to Maj. Gen. Michael S. Linnington, who will make a final decision.
January 24: Academy Awards announcement. ‘Collateral Murder’ documentary ‘Incident in New Baghdad’ is in the running.
January 26: If you live in Australia, read the Australia Day Call to Action from Christine Assange, to learn how you can support Julian Assange on this day.
January 28: WikiLeaks debate in Houston (Texas). Julian Assange’s lawyer Geoffrey Robertson QC will participate via Skype, from London.
February 1 & 2: Julian Assange’s extradition appeal will be heard by the Supreme Court. Hearing will likely last 2 days. A support demonstration will be held in London outside of the Supreme Court, starting at 8:30AM. How to attend.
Sydney Vigil for Julian Assange, 5PM at the Town Hall.
February 17: Don't Shoot the Messenger: WikiLeaks, Assange and Democracy panel in Sydney, with speakers: Senator Ludlam, Christine Assange and Humphrey McQueen. Chaired by Mary Kostakidis.
mid-March: A television series hosted by Julian Assange on the theme 'the World tomorrow' will begin airing.
April 25-29: WikiLeaks spokesperson Kristinn Hrafnsson and L’Espresso journalist Stefania Maurizi, who has worked on several WikiLeaks releases, will speak at the International Journalism Festival in Perugia (Italy).
May 23: Julian Assange will speak at the Enterprise Information Management Congress 2012 (Netherlands).
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Action Campaigns
WikiLeaks
416 days of unlawful financial blockade.
Julian Assange
413 days under house arrest without charge.
- Show your support for Julian Assange at the Supreme Court of London, February 1 and 2, at 8:30AM. More information on how to attend at Free Julian Assange Now campaign by Liberté Info.
A Vigil is also planned in Sydney, at the Town Hall, 5PM.
- Australia: Contact your MP or Senator demanding Justice for Julian Assange! Threaten your vote if action to defend the rights of Julian Assange, an Australian citizen, is not taken.
Here is a short guide with tips on How To Get Politicians’ Attention, which may be helpful.
- Nominate Julian Assange and WikiLeaks for the Nobel Peace Prize 2012: campaign website.
- Send at least one of the several call to action draft letters addressed to European organizations and Members of the European Parliament requesting action over the unjust treatment of Julian Assange.
Bradley Manning
610 days detained in military jail.
- Tell Maj. Gen. Linnington, the man who will decide if Bradley Manning is to face court-martial, to drop the charge of ‘aiding the enemy’.
- I am Bradley Manning campaign website with photos of supporters from around the world. Submit your own!
- A challenge proposed by the Bradley Manning Support Network: Stand with Bradley until his trial is over - pledge a monthly donation for the length of the trial. For more details see bradleymanning.org
Rudolf Elmer
- Liberté Info started a campaign to make whistleblower Rudolf Elmer’s trial an international issue. The campaign page is constantly updated with new developments on his case. Readers are encouraged to share.
