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Assange Denied Permission to Attend Funeral

Introduction

The family of British fashion designer and activist Dame Vivienne Westwood has expressed their deep disappointment that Julian Assange, the Wikileaks founder, has been denied permission to exit prison to attend her funeral. Assange, who is currently being held in London's Belmarsh prison, is facing extradition to the US on charges related to the publication of hundreds of thousands of leaked documents.

Westwood's Active Support

Westwood was a prominent supporter of Assange, having actively campaigned for his cause until her death last December. The iconic designer had even suspended herself in a birdcage to protest the US government's attempts to extradite Assange from the UK, famously citing that "it is not a crime to publish the truth".

Paying tribute to Westwood after her death, Assange's wife Stella noted that the dress given to her by Westwood for their wedding inside Belmarsh prison had taken the event "to the next level". In a statement released after Denying Assange permission to leave prison to attend the funeral, the family said, "We are deeply disappointed that we were unable to fulfil Vivienne’s wishes but are unsurprised by the decision, which is unjust and in keeping with the inhumane treatment Assange has received from the UK authorities up to this point".

The family further added, "Julian has not been convicted of any crime, yet he is treated as if he is a terrorist, the only thing he is guilty of is publishing the truth."

Several high-profile personalities have spoken out against the UK's refusal to provide Assange with proper care, with many suggesting that this is yet another act of political persecution. UN experts have even gone so far as to call his treatment "inhuman" and "unlawful".

The UN has also raised several concerns about Assange's physical and mental health following reports of his deteriorating condition in prison. Furthermore, the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has called for Assange to be released, indicating that his detention is in violation of international law.

Given the fact that Assange has not yet been convicted of any crime, the UK's decision to deny him permission to leave prison to attend Westwood's funeral is a clear breach of human rights. This latest act of injustice only highlights the need to ensure that all individuals are protected from discrimination and arbitrary detention.

It is heartening to note, however, that despite the lack of physical attendance, Assange's spirit and that of Vivienne Westwood will live on. Westwood's legacy as a pioneering fashion designer and activist will continue to inspire individuals around the world to fight for truth, justice and human rights for all.

And, despite his current predicaments, Julian Assange will continue to be remembered as a hero who has devoted his life to educating the public about the atrocities of governments, corporations and powerful individuals around the world.