Shipton’s Disillusion: Court Decision on Assange
Good Friday, for all its religious significance and sombre reflection, also served as a different reminder of the transformative power of sacrifice and the enduring hope for redemption and renewal.
There was an element of reflection that saw an equating of sacrifice by two of historical figures- one religious the other not – but their journey’s share similar paths of fortune and misfortune.
This Good Friday, at the Super-Human Food Store in Brunswick, Melbourne, was perfect. The quietness that comes with a religious holiday, was bathed in sunshine – the perfect backdrop for a meeting with Gabriel Shipton.
The meeting was significant because it too served as a poignant reminder of sacrifice although not religious in its intent, of the imprisonment of Julian Assange, and the sacrifice to truth and freedom he has made that has seen him incarcerated for 15-years.
Meeting to discuss the UK High Court’s ruling and how he, his father John, Assange’s wife Stella felt after the decision was handed down, “Deflated,” is how Shipton said he felt.
Shipton was mindful not to speak on his father’s or Stella Assange’s behalf, although it’s hard not to believe they wouldn’t be feeling the same.
Disillusioned by a legal system operating in contradiction to what it should be representing – justice. Instead, it appears intent on playing its part in the US’s theatre of political deceit, where decisions are influenced by geopolitical alignments than by the spirit of the law.
Killing Assange, no matter how it is achieved and the way it’s done, is and always has been the agenda.
While the Assange saga continues to unfold, Shipton finds himself standing at the intersection of personal anguish and global advocacy, reflecting on the complexities of battling not just legal systems but geopolitical titans.
Caught between hope and the possibility of Assange's continued imprisonment - or worse, his death behind bars – he is navigating a minefield of legal uncertainties and political manoeuvring.
During our interview, you sensed Shipton’s deep emotional toll, tempered by his resilient spirit and a belief in the power of collective action.
Shipton’s incredulity toward the UK’s Royal Court of Justice last week to deny extradition efforts by the US to get their hands on his brother, Wikileaks founder and political prisoner Julian Assange, remains as temporary.
Many will interpret the ruling as a victory of sorts, but on closer analysis, it may have given the Americans a way in to “get their man” than be seen as an Assange victory, a denial of extradition and a possible passage back to Australia, if they give the Court the assurances, he will be treated as an American citizen, given his first amendment rights and not be executed.
A guarantee like that will never be honoured by the Americans, the court knows it the Americans know it, but its all become part of the political theatre that has become 15-year sordid production.
What lies central to Shipton's fears are the troubling reality his brother, could remain a political prisoner indefinitely. And it’s not a fear unfounded; history is filled with people who have been caught in the crosshairs of geopolitical disputes and faced similar fates.
Facing the possibility with a dose of realism and hope, Shipton acknowledges the grim prospects while fervently advocating for change.
The 15-year ordeal, where the possibility of death has hung over Assange like a shadow has seen a consistent failure by the Australian government to genuinely pressure the Americans to hand Assange over back to Australia.
Instead, there’s been a consistent failure by every Australian Government to try and get Assange back. What’s clear to Shipton is the inaction and failure by the Australian government to advocate for one of its citizens.
Even though the complexities of international law, diplomatic relations, and national security are mixed with expectations of protection and support for Australians abroad, according to Shipton the Australian government's efforts have been lacking calling for a more assertive stance in its negotiations with the Americans.
Australia’s current ambassador to the US, Kevin Rudd, also Prime Minister when Assange first found himself hunted by the Americans.
What’s become an intricate diplomatic dance, former Prime Minister Paul Keating, is seen by Shipton as a potential figure of influence.
Keating’s legacy and reputation for directness, is seen by Shipton as someone who could give counsel to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
For Shipton, the way forward is fraught with challenges but not devoid of hope. Mobilising international support, coupled with strategic advocacy and the invocation of diplomatic levers, offers a glimmer of possibility for Assange's return to Australia.
Assange’s legal battle is a litmus test for democratic freedoms, the right to information, and the responsibilities of governments to their citizens.
Reflecting on the intricacies of his brother's legal battle, Shipton says, "It's a politically motivated situation Julian finds himself in.”
According to Shipton, the court's decision is prolonging the inevitable, playing into the hands of the US who want to make an example out of him.
Shipton feelings fluctuate between hope and cautious optimism. "We’re glad Julian wasn't extradited immediately, but it feels like he's been thrown back into an endless legal battle."
Expressing a sense of frustration, is an emotional rollercoaster compounded by the fear Assange could, as Shipton contemplates, "die in prison as a political prisoner, “a reality we are forced to face but one we are fighting to change every day."
The frustration Shipton feels extends beyond the legal system to the foundations of Australian political engagement.
"There's a failing here,” Shipton says, “Not just in the courts but within our government's efforts, or lack of effort.”
"Our government has levers it could pull, pressures it could apply, and yet, here we are, still fighting for basic rights and freedoms."
The involvement of political giant like Paul Keating highlights a complex web of potential interventions and missed opportunities. "Someone of Keating's stature and understanding of the geopolitical landscape could truly make a difference," Shipton says, hinting at the transformative potential of assertive political advocacy.
"If Keating were advising Albanese, perhaps there'd be a stronger push, a more direct approach to bringing Julian home."
"This isn't just about Julian; it's about the precedent it sets for press freedom, for the right to expose the truth."
The quest to bring Assange home, is a test of our values as a society and our will to defend them.
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