Lecture on Julian Assange and the Collateral Murder Video

Context and Overview

• Julian Assange: Founder of Wikileaks, described as a controversial figure and labeled by the US as a high-tech terrorist.
• Wikileaks: Platform that publishes leaked documents. Gained significant attention with the release of the "Collateral Murder" video.
• Collateral Murder Video: Released in 2010, depicts a 2007 incident where US soldiers killed civilians, including journalists, in Iraq.

Assange's Imprisonment and Release

• Imprisonment: Assange spent years in solitary confinement in Belmarsh Prison, UK, likened to medieval torture by the speaker, John Dundar.
• Release: Scheduled for June 2024, has drawn global headlines and public support but remains highly polarizing.

Speaker: John Dundar

• Background: Turkish journalist experienced similar persecution to Assange for exposing governmental wrongdoings.
• Assange and Dundar Parallel: Both targeted for revealing government secrets, experienced imprisonment and exile.

Impact on Families and Personal Lives

• Personal Experience: Dundar reflects on the emotional toll and the limited, precious family visits during imprisonment.
• Family Visits: Stella Assange and children’s visits to Belmarsh emphasized how prison time affects personal and family life.
• Outlook on Legal Solution: Stella appeared doubtful, seeing the prosecution as politically motivated.

The Collateral Murder Incident: Detailed Analysis

• Incident Description: Involves indiscriminate killing by US soldiers in Iraq, captured by Apache helicopters.
• Victims: Included two journalists; collateral victims were children badly injured.
• US Soldier Witness - Ethan McCord: One of the soldiers present, who saved the children, recounted the horrors and how it changed him.

Interviews and Reactions

• Ethan McCord: His detailed, emotional recounting, expressing guilt and PTSD from the incident.
• Sajad Mutashar: Interviewed as a survivor from the attack, emphasizing the long-term trauma.
• John Bolton’s Stance: Emphasized that Assange’s actions were criminal and should be punished severely.

Broader Implications and Legal Considerations

• Government Secrecy: Assange’s prosecution seen as targeting freedom of the press and public right to know versus state secrecy.
• US Legal Argument: Claims Assange’s actions endangered lives and national security.
• Critique of US Classification: Lawyer Joshua Dratel argued misuse of classification to avoid accountability.

Cultural and Media Impact

• Media Response: Varied; some support Assange while others see him as irresponsible or a threat due to alleged ties with Russia.
• Influence: Assange's and Dundar’s cases have made some media outlets more cautious in reporting on government and intelligence activities.

Ethical Concerns in Modern Warfare

• Drone Warfare: Transition to technology-driven war seen as creating a detached, video-game-like approach to killing.
• Artificial Intelligence: Mentioned in relation to targeting decisions in Gaza, reflecting a shift towards less human accountability.

Conclusion

• Assange's Release: Unclear if it will be a happy ending due to the persisting ramifications on journalism, war reporting, and personal toll on those involved.
• Final Thoughts: Assange and similar cases underscore the dangerous intersection of war, truth-telling, and governmental power.

Key Quotes

• John Dundar: "State secrecy versus the public right to know".
• Ethan McCord: "You can't put these kids in positions of playing God in war".
• Stella Assange: "Julian's release will be a return to normalcy and family life".
• John Bolton: Described Assange's actions as a severe crime deserving strict punishment.