The Australian journalist and documentary filmmaker John Pilger has died at the age of 84. He made over 60 documentaries, many deeply critical of U.S. and British foreign policy. Pilger reported extensively on Cambodia, Vietnam, East Timor and the devastating impact of U.S. sanctions on Iraq. Over the past decade, he was a vocal supporter of the imprisoned WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange.

John Pilger: “It’s the courage of those who speak the truth and speak up for the truth, who dissent, who stand up to the powerful. These are our unsung heroes. Today as he is led into court, Julian Assange is both in our collective conscience and a true Australian hero.”

Click here to see our special on Julian Assange, which we broadcast on January 1.