I must admit I knew very little
about Julian Assange before going to the Bendigo Writers Festival. I knew he
started WikiLeaks, I knew he was cooped up in an embassy somewhere
and I knew he was Australian. Most of all I knew he was a big deal and the
fact that we got to speak with him was a historical moment. I decided to do
some research on him before the broadcast because I wanted to understand
what he would be telling us. Appropriately enough i did a quick Wikipedia
search on him and boy, am I glad I had some knowledge up my sleeve.
On entering the Ulumbarra Theatre
there was a real buzz in the air, everyone's curiosities were peaking, what
would he say? would there be any difficulties connecting with him in his
Ecuadorian embassy prison? how much information would he divulge?
We were greeted by Robert Manne, the interviewer who sat in
a grand armchair to the side of the stage. On connection with Assange
there was an immediate sense of success and awe only to be matched by a sense
of disbelief that he was actually in front of us. Manne was the perfect
interviewer, only chiming in when Assange intermittently stopped to take a
breath. Assange tackle the questions with a sense of urgency, in a very
level headed manner he responded with lengthy and detailed answers. He maintained
his integrity whilst impassionedly advocating his decisions and purpose.
Assange had the whole crowd engrossed and on his side, the
audience sporadically yelling out cries of support which were met with smiles
and few tears on Assange’s behalf. The gravity of the situation really hitting
home to everyone in the theatre. Assange acknowledged that he would never be a
free man and realizing that if he were to get out he would not last long due to
the powers that be having a hit out on him. A real turning point of the
interview was Manne breezing over the “Sweden incident” but Assange with
conviction opted to discuss in detail the incident only to prove his innocence.
Those in the audience who questioning his involvement left the theatre with
resolve.
There is no question in my mind that Julian Assange is an
integral part bringing the truths of the world to light. We are so censored
from the inner workings of this world and it takes a sacrificial lamb like
Assange to open our eyes and stand up for our basic human rights. I was truly honored
to be a part of this historical moment.
