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THE Westminster government is facing fresh calls to free Wikileaks founder Julian Assange as 40 rights groups warn of the wider consequences of the US extradition bid on critical journalism.
Dozens of press freedom, human rights and privacy rights organisations from around the world sent an open letter to the PM yesterday demanding the release of Mr Assange from Belmarsh prison.
The letter coincided with the 49th birthday of the Wikileaks founder, who is facing extradition to the US after being indicted on 17 counts of violating the Espionage Act in 2019.
US Justice Department says the ‘reporters are not the targets, those leaking classified information are’. But media freedom advocates warn that Trump's ‘war on the press is looking for another victim’
![[Pic: Andrew Wiard]](https://morningstaronline.co.uk/sites/default/files/styles/desktop/public/2026-01/19860406_a_wiard_0001.jpg.webp?itok=d2RMNwWw)
LAURA DAVISON traces how Murdoch’s mass sackings, political deals and legal loopholes shattered collective bargaining 40 years ago – and how persistent NUJ organising, landmark court victories and new employment rights legislation are finally challenging that legacy
Speaking to the Morning Star’s Ceren Sagir, general secretary of the National Union of Journalists LAURA DAVISON outlines the threats to journalism from Palestine to Britain, and the unique challenges confronting the industry through the rise of AI