A cross-group of MEPs are calling on the European Commission to intervene and stop the extradition of Julian Assange from the UK to the US.

The letter, signed by 37 MEPs – including 32 from the Left – deplores the US request to prosecute the founder of Wikileaks, and it underlines the importance of the right to information as a fundamental pillar of our democracy.

MEPs shared the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture Nils Melzer’s grave concerns that the extradition would put Assange at risk of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

It also urges Commission Vice-President Frans Timmermans to uphold Assange’s human rights under international and EU laws, with particular reference to the new legislation that provides whistleblowers protection inside the EU.

You can read the letter here.

#right2info

#freeAssange

 

Photo courtesy of Antonio Marín Segovia on Flickr