The NGO was barred from visiting Assange in Belmarsh after months of preparation because Prison Governor Louis “received intelligence” that they were journalists.
Two leaders from NGO Reporters Without Borders (RSF) were barred from visiting imprisoned journalist Julian Assange on April 4 in Belmarsh Prison. RSF Secretary-General Christophe Deloire and Director of Operations Rebecca Vincent were not able to carry out their visit with Assange, a visit which had taken months to secure. Belmarsh Prison Governor Jenny Louis denied their visit at the last minute because she had “received intelligence” that the two were journalists.
“We followed all of the prison’s procedures and rules. We arrived early with all documents. But we were told at reception that we would not be allowed in,” tweeted Vincent.
The RSF leaders have made it clear that they are not in fact journalists. “[RSF] defends journalists. Some of my colleagues have journalistic backgrounds. But we work as an NGO to support journalists,” wrote Vincent. “Our prison visit would be as an NGO, not journalistic.”