text:  Press freedom and human rights groups like the International Federation of Journalists and Amnesty International had long called for Assange's release, along with major news outlets, including The New York Times, The Guardian, Le Monde, Der Spiegel, and El Pais. Those outlets' open letter said that his indictment, quote, sets a dangerous precedent and threatens to undermine America's First Amendment and the freedom of the press, close quote.