Tucker Carlson reacts to Julian Assange's release

Carlson denounces Assange's detention, criticising the justice system and media's complicity in human rights abuses.

Tucker Carlson recently reacted to Julian Assange's release during a lecture in Australia, expressing disbelief and criticism of the circumstances surrounding Assange's detention.

Carlson described his shock upon hearing the news mid-flight from Perth, stating, "I was on the plane, and my jaw was open for the rest of the flight."

Carlson highlighted the relief among Australians familiar with the case, denouncing those who still believe Assange should be imprisoned as "the enemy of human freedom and flourishing." He added, "It was monstrous that he spent 12 years locked away for exposing other people's crimes."

Commenting on Assange's situation, Carlson criticised the inversion of justice in his case. "Typically, the guy who discovers the crime doesn't go to jail; it's the guy who commits the crime who goes to jail," he said. Assange's prolonged detention without charges in the UK and later in the US was labelled as an "obvious abuse of human rights."

Carlson also pointed out the inaction of Australian authorities, questioning why they allowed Assange, an Australian citizen, to be held in the UK on behalf of the US without intervention. "I kept thinking, when is Australia going to send a warship up the Thames to get their guy back?" he remarked.

Expressing his disdain for the media's role, Carlson criticised the alignment between media organisations and governments, calling it "a perfect inversion of what they're supposed to do." He shared his frustration with Australian media coverage, recounting his discomfort while watching ABC news.

Julian Assange's release after 12 years in custody has sparked debate about the rule of law and the influence of intelligence agencies. Carlson's defence underscores the broader concerns about government accountability and media independence.

Tucker Carlson, a political commentator and former host of Tucker Carlson Tonight on Fox News, currently hosts Tucker on X, formerly Twitter.