Assange Watch

Little John · Post by **Little John** » 08 Nov 2016, 15:23

Jesus wept

UndercoverElephant · Post by **UndercoverElephant** » 10 Nov 2016, 17:05

http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/ ... -next-week

More than four years after he took refuge in Ecuador's embassy in London, WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange will face questioning there on Nov. 14 over Sweden's allegations against him of sex crimes, including rape.

This could mark a breakthrough in the standoff. Assange has repeatedly denied the accusations, which date to 2010. He maintains that he would face extradition to the U.S. if he appeared in Sweden for questioning, as we reported. Sweden has said an interview is necessary before it can determine whether to file charges against Assange.

Little John · Post by **Little John** » 10 Nov 2016, 18:57

The reason Sweden has perpetually stalled the interviewing of him in the embassy up to this point is because it has always known the outcome of that interview would be that no charges would be brought. The woman involved has already stated on the public record that the police made it all up. His incarceration in the Embassy and the bullshit from Sweden has always been about getting him to the Yanks.

However, the fact that they are suddenly receptive to coming over to interview him now, given the inevitable outcome to that interview, makes me wonder if Sweden has been given the news that the Yanks (under a Trump presidency) no longer want him and so they need to wrap this farce up.

I can hope.

UndercoverElephant · Post by **UndercoverElephant** » 10 Nov 2016, 21:25

It would be a masterstroke of a gesture from Trump if that's what happens. And actually I think Trump has very little to lose from doing it.

Post by **clv101** » 10 Nov 2016, 22:05

Little John wrote:...makes me wonder if Sweden has been given the news that the Yanks (under a Trump presidency) no longer want him and so they need to wrap this farce up

I'd be pretty surprised if there's been any communication on this so quickly. It'd hardly be on the '1st 24hr do to list'.

johnhemming2 · Post by **johnhemming2** » 10 Nov 2016, 22:17

Trump is not yet President of the USA. That does not happen until January.

UndercoverElephant · Post by **UndercoverElephant** » 10 Nov 2016, 23:04

johnhemming2 wrote:Trump is not yet President of the USA. That does not happen until January.

Doesn't stop him phoning the Prime Minister of Sweden though, does it.

johnhemming2 · Post by **johnhemming2** » 11 Nov 2016, 07:16

True. There is a list of people he has phoned. Teresa May is on it. However, much that you may not believe this, judicial processes are kept independent of the executive.

UndercoverElephant · Post by **UndercoverElephant** » 11 Nov 2016, 12:01

johnhemming2 wrote:True. There is a list of people he has phoned. Teresa May is on it. However, much that you may not believe this, judicial processes are kept independent of the executive.

Not in this case they weren't. I have no idea whether you genuinely believe there has been no conspiracy to get Assange into US custody by inventing rape charges against him, or whether you know perfectly well that this is what happened and you are trying to mislead people. And I don't care.

johnhemming2 · Post by **johnhemming2** » 11 Nov 2016, 16:59

I am surprised you genuinely believe he is safer from extradition to the USA in the UK than Sweden.

Catweazle · Post by **Catweazle** » 11 Nov 2016, 20:01

johnhemming2 wrote:I am surprised you genuinely believe he is safer from extradition to the USA in the UK than Sweden.

But he's in Ecuador, isn't he ? ( unless my understanding of embassies is wrong ).

johnhemming2 · Post by **johnhemming2** » 11 Nov 2016, 20:15

That is true, but he was in the UK before he went into the embassy to avoid going to Sweden. I don't think he would have done that had he preferred Sweden.

UndercoverElephant · Post by **UndercoverElephant** » 12 Nov 2016, 10:58

johnhemming2 wrote:I am surprised you genuinely believe he is safer from extradition to the USA in the UK than Sweden.

The blatantly trumped-up rape charge is a bit of a giveaway, John.

Either way, this pantomime is now nearing its end, because I do not believe President Trump will continue to pursue him. Much better to let him go, earning himself considerable brownie points among the various factions who support him, sending a welcome message out about whistleblowers and US war crimes, and also gaining a certain amount of protection against potential future wikileaks revelations about him (because Assange would owe him a big favour). Trump isn't stupid.

UndercoverElephant · Post by **UndercoverElephant** » 03 Dec 2016, 01:35

https://www.rt.com/news/368746-un-ruling-free-assange/

The United Nations has rejected a UK appeal against its previous ruling in favor of Julian Assange as "inadmissible," thus requiring both London and Stockholm to end the WikiLeaks founder’s "arbitrary detention."

Earlier this year, a case was concluded at the UN, in which the body instructed the UK and Sweden to take immediate steps to ensure the WikiLeaks founder's liberty, protection and enjoyment of fundamental human rights.

The UK has appealed the ruling twice, with the UN rejecting its second appeal on Wednesday by pronouncing it "not admissible," Justice for Assange reported, adding that the decision marks the end to London's "attempt to overturn the ruling."

READ MORE: UK appeals ‘incorrect’ UN claim that Assange is under ‘arbitrary detention’

"Now that all appeals are exhausted, I expect that the UK and Sweden will comply with their international obligations and set me free," a statement by Assange read, with the fugitive whistleblower calling his detention "an obvious and grotesque injustice."

UndercoverElephant · Post by **UndercoverElephant** » 18 Jan 2017, 09:43

Obama sets Chelsea Manning free:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-38659068