Whistleblowing group WikiLeaks said Dec. 31 it had no knowledge of and did not approve a delegation to Syria which met President Bashar al-Assad and included members of Australia’s WikiLeaks Party, media report
The delegation, aimed at showing solidarity with the Syrian people and opposing Western military intervention, reportedly included WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange’s father John Shipton, CEO of the political party.
The group met with Assad on December 23, according to a post on the Syrian president’s Twitter feed.
The visit triggered a furore when revealed in Australia on Dec. 31, with the centre-left Labor opposition describing it as “extraordinary” and “irresponsible.”
“The al-Assad regime has been widely criticized and correctly criticized around the world,” said Labor frontbencher Chris Bowen.
“For an Australian political party to think it’s sensible to go and have discussions and try and provide some legitimacy, is something I think which they have to explain.” The WikiLeaks Party was founded by Assange as part of his failed campaign for election to Australia’s parliament this year, but is distinct from the amorphous whistleblowing group.
WikiLeaks distanced itself from the delegation when asked about it Dec. 31. “Peace brokering a good idea, but obvious meeting would be spun without care. Did not know or approve,” it said on its official Twitter feed.