While Julian Assange remains unable to contact the outside world from the Ecuadorian embassy amidst the silence imposed by the Ecuadorian government, a heroic group of activists has been continually standing in solidarity with Assange. The vigils did not begin when the Assange’s internet was cut, as they have been participating in such events outside the embassy since Assange sought asylum there in 2010. However, since Assange’s access to internet was cut off, the vigils have gone on virtually non-stop.
Disobedient Media sought out these selfless, courageous activists to get their perspective on what solidarity with Wikileaks really means. We were honored to speak with Assange supporter Emmy Butlin, and long-time anti-war protestor, Ciaron O’Reilly. When this writer asked Butlin for background information regarding their efforts, she directed me to WiseupAction.info. The site provides valuable information on the history of support in the UK for Assange and Chelsea Manning.
Disobedient Media spoke with Ciaron O’Reilly, who is a long-term anti-war activist and Wikileaks supporter. He told Disobedient Media about his background in activism and the beginnings of his support for Assange:
“I’m a long time activist & organizer with the Anarcho-Pacifist Catholic Worker Movement founded by Dorothy Day. I was mentored by radical priests Dan & Phil Berrigan while living in [the] U.S. I was jailed with three others for disabling a B52 Bomber at Griffis Air Force Base in upstate New York on the eve of the first Gulf War. I served 13 months jail in Texas & Louisiana then deported back to Australia.