A small but vocal group supporting WikiLeaks founder, Julian Assange, gathered in the rain in front of Federal Member, Ewen Jones’ office in Townsville , calling on the Australian government to do all in its power to help Julian Assange. George Hirst , editor of the Magnetic Times online newspaper, issued a disclaimer saying that , as a journalist, he took the unusual step of joining the demonstration in solidarity with a fellow journalist and a former Magnetic Islander who has been more effective in exposing the truth, than any other individual in history. Hirst said he believed his report of the demonstration was fair and accurate. The supporters, who numbered about 20 and included several Magnetic Islanders, held placards at the busy peak hour intersection of Ross River Road and Nathan Street. One woman huddled with a baby, another with a kitten. And while the swish of traffic nearly drowned out their voices ,the spirited group chanted “Free Assange” and, quoting the WikiLeaks founder, “Courage is contagious!” And on a day in Darwin when a Timor Leste freedom fighter was honoured at Charles Darwin University, no journo , academic , letter writer or local politician felt inclined to speak out for Assange . See http://www.magnetictimes.com/.
