Skip to main content
Donate to the 95 years appeal
The Assange judgment – a stunning victory for free speech, common sense and humanity
TIM DAWSON reports from the Old Bailey

AS Judge Vanessa Baraitser started to deliver her ruling in the Old Bailey’s number two court yesterday, nothing felt right. 

Proceedings started late. Julian Assange slumped in the dock, surrounded by bullet-proof glass, his clothes flapping slightly around his diminished frame. 

The Don’t Extradite Assange campaign had decided against a rally outside the court building because of the risk of spreading Covid-19. The very air tasted sour.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
More from this author
SLAIN BY IDF: Shireen Abu Akleh
Features / 9 August 2024
9 August 2024
The wholesale murder by Israel's armed forces of journalists in Gaza is a cause for international concern, writes TIM DAWSON
VINDICATED: Journalists Barry McCaffrey (left) and Trevor Bi
Features / 19 July 2024
19 July 2024
TIM DAWSON looks at how obsessive police surveillance of journalists undermines the very essence of democracy
Features / 25 June 2024
25 June 2024
At long last the WikiLeaks founder is free. For all those who care about freedom of speech it’s time to celebrate, writes TIM DAWSON of the International Federation of Journalists
Stella Assange, the wife of Julian Assange, speaks during a
Britain / 20 May 2024
20 May 2024
Similar stories
The silent protest outside the Court of Appeal
Britain / 30 January 2025
30 January 2025
Just Stop Oil sentences have ‘become symbolic and totemic of an increasingly oppressive’ government, naturalist Chris Packham says
Campaigners protest outside Parliament in Westminster, Londo
Features / 28 November 2024
28 November 2024
Former chair of the all-party parliamentary group for special educational needs TOM HUNT examines some tragic cases from countries which have legalised assisted death