Skip to main content
Work with the NEU
Belmarsh hearing 'puts US imperalism on trial'
Julian Assange's partner Stella Morris in front of protesters against his show trial. The notorious jail in which the British state holds him is the inspiration for the name of the mock 'Belmarsh Tribunal' organised by Progressive International

A PEOPLE’S tribunal to put “US imperialism on trial” and in defence of Wikileaks founder Julian Assange held its first hearing yesterday. 

Speakers at the Belmarsh Tribunal — named after the prison where Mr Assange is being held — included Pink Floyd founder Roger Waters, former Brazilian president Lula da Silva, prominent campaigner Tariq Ali and former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn. 

The online event was inspired by the famous Russell Tribunal of the 1960s, which investigated the US military intervention in Vietnam and concluded that the government was guilty of acts of genocide. 

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
Lula speaks at election rally
Latin America / 25 August 2026
25 August 2026

Sovereignty and the rule of law are under threat from Trump’s attacks on Lula’s administration just as they have been across Latin America, argue CARLOS MARTINEZ and SARA VIVACQUA

Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva talks to journalists during a joint press conference with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta, Indonesia, October 23, 2025
Tariff row / 17 July 2026
17 July 2026
Students march against the military dictatorship, 1966
Features / 9 May 2026
9 May 2026

Newly revealed documents reveal that MI5 taught Brazilian secret police the techniques deployed by the 1964-85 military dictatorship in horrific prisons like Rio de Janeiro’s House of Death. SARA VIVACQUA reports