Canberra, September 20 (RHC)-- More than 60 members of Australia’s Parliament from across the political spectrum have written an open letter urging the Biden administration to halt its efforts to prosecute Julian Assange. 

The WikiLeaks founder, who’s an Australian citizen, faces espionage and hacking charges that could see him sentenced to up to 175 years in prison for publishing classified U.S. military and diplomatic cables, including evidence of war crimes. 

Julian Assange has been held in London’s infamous Belmarsh Prison since 2019 awaiting possible extradition to the U.S.

In their open letter, the Australian lawmakers call on the U.S. to abandon its prosecution of Assange, writing: “It serves no purpose, it is unjust, and we say clearly — as friends should always be honest with friends — that the prolonged pursuit of Mr. Assange wears away at the substantial foundation of regard and respect that Australians have for the justice system of the United States of America.” 

The open letter from the Australian members of parliament appears as an ad in The Washington Post.  They warn that a conviction for journalist Assange would affect "our right to information".