‘This Is a War of Propaganda’: John Pilger on Ukraine and Assange

By South China Morning Post

Australian journalist, author, and documentary filmmaker John Pilger has dedicated his life to the pursuit of truth and shining a light on inconvenient facts that often contradict the mainstream media narrative. In this episode of Talking Post, Pilger sits down with SCMP chief news editor Yonden Lhatoo to discuss the war in Ukraine, the West versus China, and the plight of jailed WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange.

Here’s what others had to say:

Alicia Lin
I have been following John Pilger’s articles since the 70s when I was in UK. I was young , but interested in what was happening in society. His article about the mentally ill patients being discharged and let to fend for themself on the street was a honest, well researched article- I was hooked by this daring, truth seeker who feared not. I have been following him since…My biggest fear is if John die, who is going to, who is brave enough to speak out?

WIREFREEZ
John Pilger truly is one of the last great journalists. He was speaking truth about world events long before I recognised the propaganda I was fed by the mainstream media for what it was.

Athina Eve
I came across John Pilger in the early 2000’s while doing a Social Sciences degree. I admired his integrity, persistence and sharing the truth and I still do. He reflects journalism at its best vs the script readers we have on mainstream media now.

Marianna Rybynok
Thank you for posting this. I completely agree with John Pilger’s analysis of the Russian Ukrainian War. I very much hope for the peace too – the situation in Ukraine is absolutely devastating 😢 If all the governments and people under these governments could just leave the politics behind and fully concentrate on saving the lives of people in Ukraine, instead of arguing who is right and who started first, we would live in a different world. Peace and love to all of you.

ttblade
Whether you agree or disagree with John Pilger, you can never doubt his honesty, integrity and bravery. These are qualities sadly lacking across the entire mainstream media of the west. Long may he continue to tell us what others hide. My best regards to Julian Assange – a hero of our time.

Kay Harris
Thank you John Pilger for your absolute commitment to giving us the truth and for never giving up. Utmost respect ..

Brian M
His commentary on the need to understand history regarding events taking place around the world – be it China/Taiwan or Russia/Ukraine (or any conflict between countries for that matter) is something I’ve been telling people for YEARS.

Hsing Chen
Mr. Pilger, you have extensive knowledge and understanding of recent world history through personal experiences, and you are a sincere, brave and honest journalist trying to enlighten the world. You have earned the respect of many people, including myself, who are concerned about world affairs. Cannot thank you enough.

carolyn ellis
I really appreciate this thoughtful interview discussing world politics objectively. The first one I’ve seen in ages which is proper journalism “missing in action” as it were for a very long time due to MSM media style reporting which passes as news today. John Pilger always refreshing to listen to…

Old man
As someone from the United States of America, I appreciate John very very much! I also want to say, not all Americans are averse to truth. I think I am at least as critical of the United States as John is. I hope that aspiring journalists will continue to be inspired by John, and not back down from speaking truth to power.

Jonathan Browne
I cannot express properly my immense respect for John Pilger and Julian Assange. They are international heroes and deserve freedom and coverage of whatever they are reporting. When are we, as a people going to grant journalists full, legally binding, international, diplomatic immunity from arrest and prosecution?

Paco’s human
I too have followed John Pilger since I learned of him. I enjoy/appreciate his interviews. And I’m amazed, to this day (August 2022) as to how much/many lies the U.S./American is exposed to. Its mind boggling how LITTLE most Americans know about Ukraine/Russia.

kingharvest1999
Thank you for this. A real journalist doing real journalism. It would be easy for the rest of us to just dimiss this nightmare as a repeat of past nightmares, were it not for the fact that (as usual) innocent people are being used as pawns for demented US ambitions.

Sally Tournas
The injustices Julian has suffered and continues to suffer are not simply an Australian responsible, but rather a global responsibility for rights and freedoms to speak the truth. Anyone who does not stand up against those who are bullying him and continue to torture him, is forever giving up their rights to truth in journalism. We must demand that Julian Assange not only be freed, but given the greatest honour for standing up for our rights and freedoms. Bravo Julian Assange! Stay strong and know that honest people around the world not only admire you, but stand with you. I hope some international lawyer with an ounce of the guts Julian has, will bring this matter to swift justice and freedom for Assange.

Neil Harris
John Pilger has educated me most of my adult life on issues of war and peace truth and justice. He is a force of nature and a true journalist. I wish there were many more like him to shed light where darkness rules. Bless you Mr. Pilger!

Adrian Ariaratnam
This man is truly a Godsend. A Class Act who’s never wavered in his personal premise for truth seeking in a world inundated with falsehoods within the main stream media. Together with Julian Assange, the late Robert Fisk (RIP) and numerous unknown others, they’ve struck a nerve in our collective conscience as a species to rise above the overwhelming forced garbage of might is right and hypocrisy, and reconnect us to our real brotherly existence.
Kudos to you Sir…..Live Long & Prosper!

Dariel Blackburn
I did not know of John Pilger. I am very grateful for this interview by Yonden Lhatoo. I am grateful for both of them. This is a time when the consequence for telling the truth is made so grave that few are willing to step up. We know there are many potential whistleblowers but there must also be a great deal of fear. Am I speaking out enough? Am I questioning enough? There is what I believe and out beyond that is a larger reality. It becomes more and more important that we push beyond that barrier. Our future will be nothing like our past and we must be prepared to live the truth as best we can. The future of our race depends upon it.