Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Pamela Anderson calls on Trump to pardon Julian Assange: ‘It would be a perfect way to go out’

Joe Biden is replacing Trump as US president on 20 January

Louis Chilton
Tuesday 19 January 2021 15:34 GMT
Comments
Julian Assange supporters celebrate outside court
Leer en Español

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Former Baywatch star Pamela Anderson has called on outgoing US president Donald Trump to give Julian Assange a presidential pardon.

WikiLeaks founder Assange is currently incarcerated in London’s Belmarsh prison, and is wanted in the US for violation of the Espionage Act of 1917. Earlier this month, he won a legal battle to avoid being extradited to the US, a decision which is currently under appeal.

Speaking on Good Morning Britain, Anderson claimed that she had access to Trump, and was trying to persuade him to extend a pardon to Assange. 

“I know that I am in his ear,” she said. “I know he is debating and we will see what happens. He has until midday on the 20th and I hope he makes that decision because I think that could add a positive to his legacy.

“I think that he is obviously against fake news and WikiLeaks is anti-fake news. It would be a perfect way to go out.”

The US authorities allege that by publishing tens of thousands of classified documents about the Iraq and Afghanistan wars back in 2010, WikiLeaks and Assange placed lives in danger.

Trump is reportedly set to pardon more than 100 people before he leaves office on 20 January.

When Good Morning Britain presenter Susanna Reid voiced scepticism that Trump would be willing to extend a pardon to Assange, Anderson responded: “I have been supporting him for a very long time and freedom of speech is really important.

“I think this would be a monumental position that Trump could take, that would help with human rights and the rights of a free press because it is a very dangerous situation if we don't have a free press.”

With Joe Biden’s inauguration just a day away, many are still unsure what to expect from the departing Trump, whose presidency has been blighted by controversy. Earlier this month, the former Apprentice star was impeached by the House of Representatives for a second time for his role in inciting the 6 January riots on Capitol Hill.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in