Assange's supporters raise $52 million for his defense (Full show)

Wikileaks co-founder Julian Assange received a $52.8 million to fund his legal defense when the auction of NFTs (non-fungible tokens) and donated the proceeds in hopes of aiding the controversial publisher, imprisoned in London after years of grueling asylum in the UK’s Ecuadorean embassy. Assange is fighting extradition to the US, where he is wanted on espionage charges. Assange’s supporters argue that his fate is a microcosm of the peril facing freedom to criticize the government and expose official corruption, incompetence and injustice at the highest level and that the outcome of his fight in the courts is bound to presage the fate of journalism in the West.

RT America’s Alex Mihailovich reports. Then Chris Hedges of “On Contact," who has been closely following the case, shares his insights. He says the crowdsourced and high-tech nature of the fundraising efforts parallels WikiLeaks itself, as both represent creative alternatives to oppressive official institutions. RT America’s Alex Mihailovich reports. Then Chris Hedges of “On Contact," who has been closely following the case, shares his insights. He says the crowdsourced and high-tech nature of the fundraising efforts parallels WikiLeaks itself, as both represent creative alternatives to oppressive official institutions.

Plus, RT America's John Huddy joins from the site of Canada's Freedom Convoy in Ottawa, as the protest remains near Parliament Hill to voice their opposition to vaccine mandates and other repressive COVID-19 regulations. Protesters have turned to cryptocurrency to raise funds after GoFundMe de-platformed their fundraising effort. Then Jake Phipps, CEO of Phipps International, joins to discuss the blockade of Ambassador Bridge, a major artery of trade between Canada and the US, and the impact of the trucker-led Freedom Convoy movement on enduring supply-chain issues across North America.

Russia's 15-year-old figure skating prodigy Kamila Valieva is at the center of a developing scandal. It is believed to involve allegations of doping. The Olympic Committee is investigating the matter and their findings may lead to Russia's figure skaters being denied the gold medal they won, in large part thanks to Valieva's prowess. RT America's Regina Ham joins Tyrel Ventura (in for Faran Fronczak) with the details.