New Delhi: In the annals of history, October 10, 2006, marks a significant milestone—the birth of Wikileaks, a digital entity that would forever alter the global perception of truth and transparency. Founded by the enigmatic Julian Assange, this platform would go on to expose some of the most profound secrets concealed in the shadows of power. Today, as Julian Assange turns 52, we reflect on his relentless pursuit of truth and the impact of a singular video titled “Collateral Murder.”
Julian Assange’s enduring legacy
At 52, Julian Assange stands as a symbol of unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity and transparency. It was at the age of 38 that Assange and his brainchild, Wikileaks, delivered a gut-wrenching blow to the world’s conscience—a video known as “Collateral Murder.”
On this day in 2006 Julian #Assange created @wikileaks.
Julian is 52 now. He was 38 when WikiLeaks published Collateral Murder and was last free. The video shows the US army killing a dozen civilians, including two Reuters employees on assignment and the rescuers who stopped to… pic.twitter.com/IfISuj83W7
— Stella Assange #FreeAssangeNOW (@Stella_Assange) October 4, 2023
Shocking footage: Collateral murder unveiled
“Collateral Murder” unveiled the grim reality of war in a manner that no Pentagon PR campaign could ever obscure. The video showcased the US Army’s indiscriminate killing of a dozen civilians, including two Reuters employees on a noble journalistic mission. As the wounded cried out for help, the rescuers who dared to assist met the same tragic fate.
Watch the full documentary Collateral Murder 10 years on here:https://t.co/m8cPCwIzPC pic.twitter.com/874nlqofDC
— Stella Assange #FreeAssangeNOW (@Stella_Assange) October 4, 2023
Chelsea Manning’s courage
The world might never have glimpsed the horrors of “Collateral Murder” were it not for the unparalleled bravery of intelligence whistleblower Chelsea Manning. In an act of unwavering courage, Manning sent this damning evidence to Wikileaks when the Pentagon refused to release it to the public.
Impact of “Collateral Murder”
The impact of “Collateral Murder” reverberated across the globe, transcending borders and ideologies. No amount of dollars poured into Pentagon PR messaging could erase the indelible image of this war crime etched into public memory.
This video of the killing of the good samaritans who stopped to save the severely injured Reuters employee Saeed Chmagh is evidence of the commission of a war crime. pic.twitter.com/ZszJZD33sx
— Stella Assange #FreeAssangeNOW (@Stella_Assange) October 4, 2023
The unsung heroes
Within the harrowing footage lies a tragic subplot—the untold heroism of the good samaritans who halted to save severely injured Reuters employee Saeed Chmagh. The van driver, Saleh Matasher Tomal, born in 1964, exemplified heroism. At the age of 43 and as a devoted father of four, he shielded his children, Doaha (5) and Sayad (10), from the hail of gunfire, saving their lives. Yet, the scars of that day remain, bearing witness to the horrors of war.
The van driver’s name was Saleh Matasher Tomal, born 1964, He was 43 and a married father of four. He was driving his children to school when he stopped the van to save Saeed Chmagh. He saved his children’s lives by throwing his body over them when the helicopter opened fire. The… pic.twitter.com/SCcyyQri8C
— Stella Assange #FreeAssangeNOW (@Stella_Assange) October 4, 2023
A decade of resilience and revelation
As Julian Assange celebrates his 52nd birthday, the world remembers the profound impact of “Collateral Murder” and the enduring pursuit of truth and justice. Wikileaks remains a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who dare to shine a light into the darkest corners of power, reminding us that truth, once unveiled, can never be concealed again.
