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Mexico City, September 13 (RHC)-- At a rally held in Mexico City -- shortly before the arrival of U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday -- Julian Assange's father and brother, John and Gabriel Shipton, were present outside the U.S. Embassy to demand the release of the Wikileaks founder.

The 24F Life and Liberty Coalition called for a rally with cyclists before the visit of the U.S. secretary of state, who arrived in Mexico for a dialogue with officials from the administration of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador ( AMLO).

"I want to thank Mexico for its hospitality and support for Julian Assange. Its support has been tremendous, particularly President Lopez Obrador," Assange's father said.

Blinken "travels the world saying that free speech is a top concern in Washington, but they continue to persecute Julian Assange... He is a global symbol of free speech," Gabriel Shipton said, adding that the U.S. cannot give lessons on free speech while "the best journalist in the world" remains in prison.

During a press conference held on July 18, Lopez Obrador revealed that he had sent the U.S. President Joe Biden a letter requesting the exoneration of the Australian journalist, whom the U.S. authorities are trying to prosecute for the revelations made through his portal.

"I left a letter with the President explaining that Assange did not commit any serious crime.  He did not kill anyone or violate any human rights.  He exercised his freedom.  I told him that arresting Assange would mean a permanent affront to freedom of expression," AMLO said.