Wikileaks founder Julian Assange will request leave from prison to attend the funeral of his friend Dame Vivienne Westwood, according to the Australian’s wife
(Picture: PA Archive)Wikileaks founder Julian Assange has been denied permission to leave prison to attend Dame Vivienne Westwood’s funeral, the fashion designer’s family has said.
Assange, 51, is currently being held in HMP Belmarsh as he battles against extradition to the USA where he is wanted on espionage charges.
The publisher struck up a close friendship with Dame Vivienne as she campaigned on his behalf over the last decade.
Following the iconic fashion designer’s death on December 29 last year at the age of 81, her family asked for permission for Assange to attend her private family funeral.
On Monday, the family said the request had been rejected by the governor at Belmarsh prison.
In a statement, family members said they are “deeply disappointed that we were unable to fulfil Vivienne’s wishes but are unsurprised by the decision which is unjust and in keeping with the inhumane treatment he has received from the UK authorities up to this point.
“Julian has not been convicted of any crime, yet he is treated as if he is a terrorist, the only thing he is guilty of is publishing the truth.”
Dame Vivienne locked herself in a large yellow cage outside the Old Bailey in a July 2020 protest in support of Assange, during his extradition court fight.
The fashion designer has been a prominent voice of support for the Wikileaks founder, and days before her death said: “Julian Assange is a hero and has been treated atrociously by the UK government.”
He is wanted in the US over the Wikileaks release of a mass of confidential and classified military documents relating to the Iraq and Afghan wars as well as Guantanamo Bay detainees.
Extradition was approved by former Home Secretary Priti Patel last June, but further appeals by Assange are expected.
