Two years ago a group of us gathered beneath the pandanus and fig trees in pouring rain near Main Beach, Byron Bay NSW.

We had come together to commemorate Julian Assange’s 50th birthday.

As we discussed the latest developments in Julian’s situation up to that point in time, we didn’t think we would have to call for his freedom for much longer.

Regrettably we have gathered on many occasions since then and we had to stand again for his 52nd birthday on the 3rd July.

It wasnt pouring rain this time but bright winter sunshine.

For Julian however there is no sunshine for him or trees to stand under on his birthday as he is still locked up in virtual solitary confinement behind the grim and punishing walls of His Majesty’s Maximum Security Prison Belmarsh London.

He is now into his 5th year of incarceration without charge at the hands of the British justice system at the behest of the United States Government; with the complicity of the UK and as far as we can tell, the Australian Government.

Furthermore as what could almost be seen as an act of spite following Stella Assange’s well publicised and successful tour of Australia in June, the FBI announced that it is continuing its investigations into her husband, Julian Assange and the organisation he founded, Wikileaks.

To rub salt further into the wound, a single British High Court judge, one Sir Jonathan Swift (would you believe) has now ruled that an application by Julian’s legal team to appeal to the court against his extradition to the US be refused.

At the time of writing a further and final application for appeal has been lodged.

It is also reported that the legal papers for his extradition have already been drawn up.

Assange could be spending his 53rd birthday in an American prison facing a sentence of 175 years.

Although an Australian Citizen, he would have been convicted and sentenced as a spy under the archaic 1917 Espionage Act.

Julian Assange would be the first journalist to be convicted under this Act, which in itself is a great cause for concern not only for Julian’s safety, but begs the question: if its Julian Assange today, who will it be tomorrow?

Conscience dictates that no doubt we will be gathering again to seek Julian Assange’s freedom and for the principles of free speech and free press he and his family continue to sacrifice so much for.

We hope those responsible are equally moved by their consciences in defence of an Australian citizen and that there will be better news to discuss by the time of his next birthday.