SXSW Sydney: ‘The law criminalises journalism’ – Julian Assange lawyer says case set ‘terrible precedent’ for publishers

Australian human rights lawyer, Jennifer Robinson, has reflected on Wikileaks founder Julian Assange’s return to Australia earlier this year, and why it represents such a “bright spot in such troubling times” as the right to free speech continues to be scrutinised and journalists continue to be attacked for speaking the truth.

Delivering a keynote speech at SXSW Sydney on Tuesday, Robinson – who was a long-standing member of Assange’s legal team – re-lived the moment Assange came home and why it was a win for journalism and free speech, but also why his prosecution should raise red flags for journalists and publishers everywhere.

“What we’re seeing around the world, and indeed at home in Australia, is that these hard fought wins – our right to free speech, our right to protest – are being attacked and undermined every day,” Robinson began.