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Assange arrest: Trump claims to 'know nothing about WikiLeaks' despite past praise – live Assange arrest: Trump claims to 'know nothing about WikiLeaks' despite past praise – live
(30 minutes later)
Assange’s lawyer, Jennifer Robinson, appeared on BBC this evening, to argue why her client’s arrest set a “dangerous precedent” that should concern free speech advocates.
Julian Assange’s lawyer, Jennifer Robinson, says his arrest today is “a free speech issue” because it “is all about the ways in which journalists can communicate with their sources”#newsnight | @suigenerisjen pic.twitter.com/ZHYMQJFCht
The arrest has sparked alarm among some organizations who fear that the charges filed by the US Department of Justice could also be used against journalists.
It's true, the indictment doesn't attempt to make publishing a crime. That's obviously a good thing. But the ENTIRE thing is based on a journalist's interactions and discussions with a source. No other action is alleged. So it's still worrying to me.
The Columbia Journalism Review warned that “going forward, journalists will need to be vigilant” citing the “serious implications” of Assange’s arrest and the charges against him.
wild that people replying to this kind of stuff with "assange is not a journalist" don't seem to realize that the government could easily make that same argument for nearly anyone https://t.co/60HyJXqV63
But some legal experts argued that the specificity of the charge is intended to not infringe on First Amendment Rights granted to journalists in the US.
“A lot of the broader legal and policy implications have been alleviated by how narrowly tailored this indictment is,” Bradley Moss, a national security lawyer in Washington who represents whistleblowers and journalists told Reuters.
Robert Chesney, a professor of national security law, agrees, explaining that the charge is more closely tied to hacking than to journalism.
Per Reuters:
Prosecutors will emphasize that cracking a password is far outside the realm of what respectable journalists do, Chesney at the University of Texas said.
‘All of this turns on the idea that Assange tries to hack a password,’ Chesney said. ‘That’s not journalism, that’s theft’”.
After Assange’s arrest many people were expecting news about his feline friend, who had been seen throughout the years posing for social media photos and peering out of windows of the Ecuadorian embassy.After Assange’s arrest many people were expecting news about his feline friend, who had been seen throughout the years posing for social media photos and peering out of windows of the Ecuadorian embassy.
But, turns out, Embassy Cat, had left long ago.But, turns out, Embassy Cat, had left long ago.
For the record: Julian Assange’s cat was reportedly given to a shelter by the Ecuadorian embassy ages ago, so don’t expect a feline extradition in the next few hours.(I genuinely offered to adopt it)For the record: Julian Assange’s cat was reportedly given to a shelter by the Ecuadorian embassy ages ago, so don’t expect a feline extradition in the next few hours.(I genuinely offered to adopt it)
Embassy Cat, whose twitter bio (where he is followed by more than 31K people) says it lives with Assange and is interested in “counter-purrveillance” was reportedly ousted after Ecuadorian officials told Assange he’d have to provide and pay for its care.Embassy Cat, whose twitter bio (where he is followed by more than 31K people) says it lives with Assange and is interested in “counter-purrveillance” was reportedly ousted after Ecuadorian officials told Assange he’d have to provide and pay for its care.
#catalonia #catalunya #catexit #10ODeclaració pic.twitter.com/I0zgRb2oUj#catalonia #catalunya #catexit #10ODeclaració pic.twitter.com/I0zgRb2oUj
Gabrielle Canon here taking over for Tom McCarthy.Gabrielle Canon here taking over for Tom McCarthy.
Tulsi Gabbard weighed in this afternoon, on the arrest of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, tweeting that it sent a censorship signal out to political critics.Tulsi Gabbard weighed in this afternoon, on the arrest of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, tweeting that it sent a censorship signal out to political critics.
The arrest of #JulianAssange is meant to send a message to all Americans and journalists: be quiet, behave, toe the line. Or you will pay the price.The arrest of #JulianAssange is meant to send a message to all Americans and journalists: be quiet, behave, toe the line. Or you will pay the price.
The US presidential candidate has defended Assange before. At a meet-and-greet in New Hampshire in February, she told a crowd that WikiLeaks “spurred some necessary change”.The US presidential candidate has defended Assange before. At a meet-and-greet in New Hampshire in February, she told a crowd that WikiLeaks “spurred some necessary change”.
US presidential candidate @TulsiGabbard this evening: WikiLeaks spurred 'necessary change'Background: https://t.co/u9e5ecXLDKpic.twitter.com/c4d98sQraVUS presidential candidate @TulsiGabbard this evening: WikiLeaks spurred 'necessary change'Background: https://t.co/u9e5ecXLDKpic.twitter.com/c4d98sQraV
For more on US politics, follow along with today’s updates here:For more on US politics, follow along with today’s updates here:
Gregory Craig: former White House counsel for Obama indicted – liveGregory Craig: former White House counsel for Obama indicted – live
Julian Assange has been found guilty of breaching bail in 2012 after being arrested at the Ecuadorean embassy in London on Thursday. He is to be sentenced next month.Julian Assange has been found guilty of breaching bail in 2012 after being arrested at the Ecuadorean embassy in London on Thursday. He is to be sentenced next month.
The United States has requested the extradition of Assange and charged him with involvement in computer hacking with Chelsea Manning. The Metropolitan police said the arrest was made on behalf of the US authorities.The United States has requested the extradition of Assange and charged him with involvement in computer hacking with Chelsea Manning. The Metropolitan police said the arrest was made on behalf of the US authorities.
In reaction to the news, Donald Trump said “I know nothing about WikiLeaks,” adding, “It’s not my thing.” In the final month of the 2016 election, Trump mentioned WikiLeaks 164 times.In reaction to the news, Donald Trump said “I know nothing about WikiLeaks,” adding, “It’s not my thing.” In the final month of the 2016 election, Trump mentioned WikiLeaks 164 times.
Theresa May welcomed Assange’s arrest saying it showed “no one is above the law.”Theresa May welcomed Assange’s arrest saying it showed “no one is above the law.”
Chelsea Manning’s legal team argued that the year-old indictment against Assange meant she had been improperly held in contempt of court for declining to testify before a grand jury in his case.Chelsea Manning’s legal team argued that the year-old indictment against Assange meant she had been improperly held in contempt of court for declining to testify before a grand jury in his case.
Police were videoed forcibly removing Assange from the embassy at around at around 10.50am. Police had been invited into the building by the Ecuadorian embassy, where Assange had take refuge for almost seven years to avoid extradition to Sweden where authorities wanted to question him as part of a sexual assault investigation.Police were videoed forcibly removing Assange from the embassy at around at around 10.50am. Police had been invited into the building by the Ecuadorian embassy, where Assange had take refuge for almost seven years to avoid extradition to Sweden where authorities wanted to question him as part of a sexual assault investigation.
The president of Ecuador, Lenín Moreno, said he secured guarantees from the UK that Assange would not face the death penalty or torture. Justifying the move of handing him over to the British police, Moreno said: “In a sovereign decision, Ecuador withdrew the asylum status to Julian Assange after his repeated violations to international conventions and daily-life- protocols.”The president of Ecuador, Lenín Moreno, said he secured guarantees from the UK that Assange would not face the death penalty or torture. Justifying the move of handing him over to the British police, Moreno said: “In a sovereign decision, Ecuador withdrew the asylum status to Julian Assange after his repeated violations to international conventions and daily-life- protocols.”
Assange’s supporters have condemned the arrest. Rafael Correa, who was Ecuadorian president when Assange was granted asylum, accused his successor of treachery.Assange’s supporters have condemned the arrest. Rafael Correa, who was Ecuadorian president when Assange was granted asylum, accused his successor of treachery.
The charges that led to Julian Assange’s arrest have nothing to do with the 2016 presidential election or the Mueller investigation into Donald Trump’s Russian ties, but the extradition case and Assange’s possible arrival in the US will be electrified by all those unresolved issues.The charges that led to Julian Assange’s arrest have nothing to do with the 2016 presidential election or the Mueller investigation into Donald Trump’s Russian ties, but the extradition case and Assange’s possible arrival in the US will be electrified by all those unresolved issues.
“I know nothing about Wikileaks. It’s not my thing,” Donald Trump told reporters asking for a reaction to the arrest. That is not what he said on the campaign, when he frequently praised the organisation that Assange founded, and which arguably played an important role in getting Trump elected.“I know nothing about Wikileaks. It’s not my thing,” Donald Trump told reporters asking for a reaction to the arrest. That is not what he said on the campaign, when he frequently praised the organisation that Assange founded, and which arguably played an important role in getting Trump elected.
Assange’s role in 2016 cut like a meat cleaver through the administration, dividing Trump loyalists on the far right – who see him as a hero persecuted by the “deep state” – from the traditional conservatives who portray him as nothing less than a Kremlin accomplice.Assange’s role in 2016 cut like a meat cleaver through the administration, dividing Trump loyalists on the far right – who see him as a hero persecuted by the “deep state” – from the traditional conservatives who portray him as nothing less than a Kremlin accomplice.
Read further:Read further:
Julian Assange: the wedge that created a divide among Trump loyalistsJulian Assange: the wedge that created a divide among Trump loyalists
Dan Collyns reports on action in the Ecuadorean capital Quito:Dan Collyns reports on action in the Ecuadorean capital Quito:
In a presentation before Ecuador’s parliament, José Valencia, the foreign minister, set out nine reasons why Assange’s asylum had been withdrawn. The list ranged from meddling in Ecuador’s relations with other countries to having to “put up with his rudeness” for nearly seven years.In a presentation before Ecuador’s parliament, José Valencia, the foreign minister, set out nine reasons why Assange’s asylum had been withdrawn. The list ranged from meddling in Ecuador’s relations with other countries to having to “put up with his rudeness” for nearly seven years.
Starting at 11am local time, Valencia said Ecuador had been left with little choice but to end Assange’s stay in its London embassy following his “innumerable acts of interference in the politics of other states” which put at risk the country’s relations with them.Starting at 11am local time, Valencia said Ecuador had been left with little choice but to end Assange’s stay in its London embassy following his “innumerable acts of interference in the politics of other states” which put at risk the country’s relations with them.
His second point focused on Assange’s behavior which wavered between riding a skateboard and playing football inside the small embassy to mistreating and threatening embassy staff and even coming to blows with security workers. Valencia said the whistleblower and his lawyers had made “insulting threats” against the country accusing its officials of being pressured by other countries.His second point focused on Assange’s behavior which wavered between riding a skateboard and playing football inside the small embassy to mistreating and threatening embassy staff and even coming to blows with security workers. Valencia said the whistleblower and his lawyers had made “insulting threats” against the country accusing its officials of being pressured by other countries.
He said Assange “permanently accused [embassy] staff of spying on and filming him” on behalf of the United States and instead of thanking Ecuador for nearly seven years of asylum he and his entourage launched “an avalanche of criticisms” against the Ecuadorean government. He referred also to the guest’s “hygienic” problems including one which was “very unpleasant” and “attributed to a digestive problem.”He said Assange “permanently accused [embassy] staff of spying on and filming him” on behalf of the United States and instead of thanking Ecuador for nearly seven years of asylum he and his entourage launched “an avalanche of criticisms” against the Ecuadorean government. He referred also to the guest’s “hygienic” problems including one which was “very unpleasant” and “attributed to a digestive problem.”
But Assange’s deteriorating health was also major concern, the minister said, as he could not be properly treated in the embassy building. He added the fact the UK would not consider granting him safe conduct meant Ecuador faced the prospect of him staying “indefinitely in the diplomatic headquarters.”But Assange’s deteriorating health was also major concern, the minister said, as he could not be properly treated in the embassy building. He added the fact the UK would not consider granting him safe conduct meant Ecuador faced the prospect of him staying “indefinitely in the diplomatic headquarters.”
The minister went on to say Ecuador could not extend asylum to a person fleeing justice and there was no extradition request for Assange when Ecuador ended his asylum. The UK had offered sufficient guarantees of due process to Assange, Valencia added, and that he would not be extradited to a country where he could face torture or the death penalty.The minister went on to say Ecuador could not extend asylum to a person fleeing justice and there was no extradition request for Assange when Ecuador ended his asylum. The UK had offered sufficient guarantees of due process to Assange, Valencia added, and that he would not be extradited to a country where he could face torture or the death penalty.
Finally, there were “multiple inconsistencies” in how Assange had been granted Ecuadorean citizenship and his stay had proved very costly, the minister said. Ecuador had spent more $5.8m on its guest’s security between 2012 and 2018 and nearly $400,000 on his medical costs, food and laundry, he added.Finally, there were “multiple inconsistencies” in how Assange had been granted Ecuadorean citizenship and his stay had proved very costly, the minister said. Ecuador had spent more $5.8m on its guest’s security between 2012 and 2018 and nearly $400,000 on his medical costs, food and laundry, he added.
Earlier on Thursday, Ecuador’s interior minister, María Paula Romo, said authorities had identified “one of the key member of Wikileaks and people close to Mr Julian Assange” living in the country several years.Earlier on Thursday, Ecuador’s interior minister, María Paula Romo, said authorities had identified “one of the key member of Wikileaks and people close to Mr Julian Assange” living in the country several years.
“We have sufficient evidence that they have been collaborating with destabilization attempts against the Ecuadorean government,” she said, noting that they had travelled with Ricardo Patiño, the former foreign minister who granted asylum to Assange in 2012, to Peru, Spain and Venezuela.“We have sufficient evidence that they have been collaborating with destabilization attempts against the Ecuadorean government,” she said, noting that they had travelled with Ricardo Patiño, the former foreign minister who granted asylum to Assange in 2012, to Peru, Spain and Venezuela.
She added the identity and location of two Russian hackers who were also living in Ecuador would be delivered to the state prosecutor’s office.She added the identity and location of two Russian hackers who were also living in Ecuador would be delivered to the state prosecutor’s office.
Here’s more from our continuing coverage of the Assange arrest. Reporter Ed Pilkington takes us inside the webchats the US hopes will get Assange behind bars, writing in part:Here’s more from our continuing coverage of the Assange arrest. Reporter Ed Pilkington takes us inside the webchats the US hopes will get Assange behind bars, writing in part:
The lengths to which the US government is prepared to go to nail Assange for the 2010 leaks is now becoming clear. Not only have extradition proceedings been instigated against Assange, but Manning herself is back behind bars, having refused to testify before the US grand jury investigating WikiLeaks. She was recently subjected to a spell in solitary confinement at William G Truesdale adult detention center, in Alexandria, Virginia.The lengths to which the US government is prepared to go to nail Assange for the 2010 leaks is now becoming clear. Not only have extradition proceedings been instigated against Assange, but Manning herself is back behind bars, having refused to testify before the US grand jury investigating WikiLeaks. She was recently subjected to a spell in solitary confinement at William G Truesdale adult detention center, in Alexandria, Virginia.
As the case thickens, the spotlight is likely to fall increasingly on those internet communications between Ox and his source. In her statement to the court martial, Manning said: “At first our conversations were general in nature, but over time as our conversation progressed, I accessed this individual to be an important part of” WikiLeaks.As the case thickens, the spotlight is likely to fall increasingly on those internet communications between Ox and his source. In her statement to the court martial, Manning said: “At first our conversations were general in nature, but over time as our conversation progressed, I accessed this individual to be an important part of” WikiLeaks.
Read the full piece here:Read the full piece here:
Inside the webchats the US hopes will get Assange behind barsInside the webchats the US hopes will get Assange behind bars
In Comment, meanwhile, Simon Jenkins writes that Julian Assange’s cyber-sins seem quaint ten years later:In Comment, meanwhile, Simon Jenkins writes that Julian Assange’s cyber-sins seem quaint ten years later:
The eviction of Julian Assange from London’s Ecuadorian embassy is a strange irony. He saw himself as a warrior for truth across the boundless paradise of the web, where people could make their own rules. Now he finds himself badly in need of a secure border, a friendly judge and legal protections. [...]The eviction of Julian Assange from London’s Ecuadorian embassy is a strange irony. He saw himself as a warrior for truth across the boundless paradise of the web, where people could make their own rules. Now he finds himself badly in need of a secure border, a friendly judge and legal protections. [...]
Today, the experiences of Snowden and Assange speak volumes for the absence of rules to rein in internet anarchy. Vast state resources are devoted to the same tasks Assange was doing freelance. Compared with the alleged cyber-activities of the Chinese and Russian governments – and presumably our own – Assange was a kid in an attic. And as fast as national agencies struggle to secure their secrets, the dark riders of the web are overtaking them.Today, the experiences of Snowden and Assange speak volumes for the absence of rules to rein in internet anarchy. Vast state resources are devoted to the same tasks Assange was doing freelance. Compared with the alleged cyber-activities of the Chinese and Russian governments – and presumably our own – Assange was a kid in an attic. And as fast as national agencies struggle to secure their secrets, the dark riders of the web are overtaking them.
Read further:Read further:
Julian Assange’s cyber-sins seem quaint in comparison to those of big tech | Simon JenkinsJulian Assange’s cyber-sins seem quaint in comparison to those of big tech | Simon Jenkins
Chelsea Manning’s legal team has released a statement arguing that the unveiling of the year-old Assange indictment means she was improperly held in contempt of court because, as they argued at the time, “compelling Chelsea to testify would have been duplicative of evidence already in the possession of the grand jury.”Chelsea Manning’s legal team has released a statement arguing that the unveiling of the year-old Assange indictment means she was improperly held in contempt of court because, as they argued at the time, “compelling Chelsea to testify would have been duplicative of evidence already in the possession of the grand jury.”
Lawyers for Manning plan to file a reply brief in an appeal asking the Fourth Circuit court of appeals to vacate a district court judge’s 8 March finding of civil contempt.Lawyers for Manning plan to file a reply brief in an appeal asking the Fourth Circuit court of appeals to vacate a district court judge’s 8 March finding of civil contempt.
A statement released by Manning’s legal team said in part:A statement released by Manning’s legal team said in part:
Ms. Manning, a staunch advocate for government transparency, asserted legal grounds for her refusal to participate in what she views as an assault on the free press. She remains in detention as a result of the contempt finding. The Assange indictment disclosed this morning strengthens their claims of grand jury abuse, say Manning’s attorneys.Ms. Manning, a staunch advocate for government transparency, asserted legal grounds for her refusal to participate in what she views as an assault on the free press. She remains in detention as a result of the contempt finding. The Assange indictment disclosed this morning strengthens their claims of grand jury abuse, say Manning’s attorneys.
“The indictment against Julian Assange unsealed today was obtained a year to the day before Chelsea appeared before the grand jury and refused to give testimony. The fact that this indictment has existed for over a year underscores what Chelsea’s legal team and Chelsea herself have been saying since she was first issued a subpoena to appear in front of a Federal Grand Jury in the Eastern District of Virginia — that compelling Chelsea to testify would have been duplicative of evidence already in the possession of the grand jury, and was not needed in order for US Attorneys to obtain an indictment of Mr. Assange. Grand Juries may not be used for the sole and dominant purpose of preparing for trial, including questioning potential trial witnesses. Since her testimony can no longer contribute to a grand jury investigation, Chelsea’s ongoing detention can no longer be seriously alleged to constitute an attempt to coerce her testimony. As continued detention would be purely punitive, we demand Chelsea be released.”“The indictment against Julian Assange unsealed today was obtained a year to the day before Chelsea appeared before the grand jury and refused to give testimony. The fact that this indictment has existed for over a year underscores what Chelsea’s legal team and Chelsea herself have been saying since she was first issued a subpoena to appear in front of a Federal Grand Jury in the Eastern District of Virginia — that compelling Chelsea to testify would have been duplicative of evidence already in the possession of the grand jury, and was not needed in order for US Attorneys to obtain an indictment of Mr. Assange. Grand Juries may not be used for the sole and dominant purpose of preparing for trial, including questioning potential trial witnesses. Since her testimony can no longer contribute to a grand jury investigation, Chelsea’s ongoing detention can no longer be seriously alleged to constitute an attempt to coerce her testimony. As continued detention would be purely punitive, we demand Chelsea be released.”
Here’s video of Trump in the Oval Office saying “I know nothing about Wikileaks, it’s not my thing.” He says the Assange case is in attorney general William Barr’s court.Here’s video of Trump in the Oval Office saying “I know nothing about Wikileaks, it’s not my thing.” He says the Assange case is in attorney general William Barr’s court.
“I know really nothing about him,” Trump says of Assange. “It’s not my deal in life.”“I know really nothing about him,” Trump says of Assange. “It’s not my deal in life.”
Here’s our earlier post on the topic including a mash-up video of the 100+ times Trump mentioned WikiLeaks on the campaign trail.Here’s our earlier post on the topic including a mash-up video of the 100+ times Trump mentioned WikiLeaks on the campaign trail.
Here’s a selection of our coverage so far today of the Assange arrest:Here’s a selection of our coverage so far today of the Assange arrest:
Julian Assange charged by US with computer hacking conspiracyJulian Assange charged by US with computer hacking conspiracy
The seven-year itch: Assange's awkward stay in the embassyThe seven-year itch: Assange's awkward stay in the embassy
Assange branded a 'narcissist' by judge who found him guiltyAssange branded a 'narcissist' by judge who found him guilty
Julian Assange: key dates in the WikiLeaks founder's caseJulian Assange: key dates in the WikiLeaks founder's case
A plaintiff has requested that Sweden’s investigation into rape allegations against Assange should be resumed, Sweden’s prosecution service said today.A plaintiff has requested that Sweden’s investigation into rape allegations against Assange should be resumed, Sweden’s prosecution service said today.
David Crouch in Sweden reports:David Crouch in Sweden reports:
Deputy chief prosecutor Eva-Marie Persson will handle the request in Gothenburg.Deputy chief prosecutor Eva-Marie Persson will handle the request in Gothenburg.
“We will now examine the matter to determine how we proceed,” Persson said in a statement. “The preliminary investigation has therefore not been resumed yet and we do not know today whether it will happen. We cannot promise any timetable for when decisions will be made.”“We will now examine the matter to determine how we proceed,” Persson said in a statement. “The preliminary investigation has therefore not been resumed yet and we do not know today whether it will happen. We cannot promise any timetable for when decisions will be made.”
The statute of limitations on the allegations run out in mid-August 2020.The statute of limitations on the allegations run out in mid-August 2020.
Massimo Moratti, Amnesty International’s Deputy Director for Europe Research, has released a statement opposing the extradition of Assange to the United States.Massimo Moratti, Amnesty International’s Deputy Director for Europe Research, has released a statement opposing the extradition of Assange to the United States.
“Amnesty International calls on the UK to refuse to extradite or send in any other manner Julian Assange to the USA where there is a very real risk that he could face human rights violations, including detention conditions that would violate the absolute prohibition of torture and other ill-treatment and an unfair trial followed by possible execution, due to his work with WikiLeaks,” the statement says in part.“Amnesty International calls on the UK to refuse to extradite or send in any other manner Julian Assange to the USA where there is a very real risk that he could face human rights violations, including detention conditions that would violate the absolute prohibition of torture and other ill-treatment and an unfair trial followed by possible execution, due to his work with WikiLeaks,” the statement says in part.
It continues:It continues:
“We are aware of allegations of rape and other sexual violence against Julian Assange - which should be properly investigated in a way that respects the rights of both the complainants and the accused - and he should be brought to justice if there is sufficient evidence against him.“We are aware of allegations of rape and other sexual violence against Julian Assange - which should be properly investigated in a way that respects the rights of both the complainants and the accused - and he should be brought to justice if there is sufficient evidence against him.
“If Sweden decides to pursue an extradition of Mr Assange from the UK, there must be adequate assurances that he would not be extradited or otherwise sent to the USA.“If Sweden decides to pursue an extradition of Mr Assange from the UK, there must be adequate assurances that he would not be extradited or otherwise sent to the USA.
“It remains unclear what formal process took place to allow the UK authorities to enter the Ecuadorian Embassy and detain Julian Assange, who had reportedly had his Ecuadorian citizenship suspended yesterday.“It remains unclear what formal process took place to allow the UK authorities to enter the Ecuadorian Embassy and detain Julian Assange, who had reportedly had his Ecuadorian citizenship suspended yesterday.
“We urge the UK authorities to comply with the assurances provided to Ecuador that he would not be sent anywhere he could face the death penalty, torture or other ill-treatment.”“We urge the UK authorities to comply with the assurances provided to Ecuador that he would not be sent anywhere he could face the death penalty, torture or other ill-treatment.”
The Washington-based legal analyst Susan Hennessey has drawn a comparison between Assange’s case and that of Lauri Love, who successfully fought extradition to the US on hacking charges:The Washington-based legal analyst Susan Hennessey has drawn a comparison between Assange’s case and that of Lauri Love, who successfully fought extradition to the US on hacking charges:
Lauri Love ruling 'sets precedent' for trying hacking suspects in UKLauri Love ruling 'sets precedent' for trying hacking suspects in UK
Donald Trump, who frequently praised WikiLeaks during the 2016 presidential campaign, whose son exchanged messages with the organization on Twitter, and whose associate Robert Stone communicated with Assange about material WikiLeaks planned to publish, has just told US reporters that WikiLeaks is “not my thing.”Donald Trump, who frequently praised WikiLeaks during the 2016 presidential campaign, whose son exchanged messages with the organization on Twitter, and whose associate Robert Stone communicated with Assange about material WikiLeaks planned to publish, has just told US reporters that WikiLeaks is “not my thing.”
“I know nothing about WikiLeaks,” Trump said in the Oval Office, according to a White House pool report. “It’s not my thing.”“I know nothing about WikiLeaks,” Trump said in the Oval Office, according to a White House pool report. “It’s not my thing.”
With the United States having requested Assange’s extradition to face criminal charges, the WikiLeaks’ founder’s stock is currently low in Washington. But it wasn’t always so. Here’s a video of Trump on the stump going on and on (and on) about WikiLeaks:With the United States having requested Assange’s extradition to face criminal charges, the WikiLeaks’ founder’s stock is currently low in Washington. But it wasn’t always so. Here’s a video of Trump on the stump going on and on (and on) about WikiLeaks:
Uh... https://t.co/ER8txZe5Y5Uh... https://t.co/ER8txZe5Y5
WikiLeaks was so popular inside the Trump camp during the campaign that they worked under a poster of Assange...WikiLeaks was so popular inside the Trump camp during the campaign that they worked under a poster of Assange...
Hard to overstate the Trump campaign's enthusiasm for Julian Assange. I was backstage at Debate #2 and they literally had an Assange fanboy poster on the wall https://t.co/JWl6d7PpSi pic.twitter.com/NXO652FZKwHard to overstate the Trump campaign's enthusiasm for Julian Assange. I was backstage at Debate #2 and they literally had an Assange fanboy poster on the wall https://t.co/JWl6d7PpSi pic.twitter.com/NXO652FZKw
...and Sean Hannity, Trump’s main cheerleader inside Fox News (and on the stump), offered to let Assange host his radio show....and Sean Hannity, Trump’s main cheerleader inside Fox News (and on the stump), offered to let Assange host his radio show.
well this is awkward pic.twitter.com/RV3Ee4LCLjwell this is awkward pic.twitter.com/RV3Ee4LCLj
Just a few examples of Trump tweets that mention Wikileaks: pic.twitter.com/lNdTnhb0hZJust a few examples of Trump tweets that mention Wikileaks: pic.twitter.com/lNdTnhb0hZ
Edward Snowden has tweeted again, describing the “weakness of the US charge” as shocking.Edward Snowden has tweeted again, describing the “weakness of the US charge” as shocking.
The weakness of the US charge against Assange is shocking. The allegation he tried (and failed?) to help crack a password during their world-famous reporting has been public for nearly a decade: it is the count Obama's DOJ refused to charge, saying it endangered journalism. https://t.co/xdTQ8xauB0The weakness of the US charge against Assange is shocking. The allegation he tried (and failed?) to help crack a password during their world-famous reporting has been public for nearly a decade: it is the count Obama's DOJ refused to charge, saying it endangered journalism. https://t.co/xdTQ8xauB0
Can Julian Assange be charged with additional offences once he has been extradited to the United States? The Guardian’s legal affairs correspondent, Owen Bowcott, has this answer.Can Julian Assange be charged with additional offences once he has been extradited to the United States? The Guardian’s legal affairs correspondent, Owen Bowcott, has this answer.
Normal practice is that anyone extradited can only be prosecuted in the country that sought them for the offences specified on the extradition indictment. That restriction is known as the Rule of Specialty. But there are two possible but difficult to use exemptions.Normal practice is that anyone extradited can only be prosecuted in the country that sought them for the offences specified on the extradition indictment. That restriction is known as the Rule of Specialty. But there are two possible but difficult to use exemptions.
The first is that if it could be argued new information had come to light since his extradition, extra charges could conceivably be brought. “That almost never happens,” said Nick Vamos, the former head of extradition at the Crown Prosecution Service who is a partner at the London law firm peters and Peters. “American prosecutors would also have to seek the consent of the UK to bring in further charges.”The first is that if it could be argued new information had come to light since his extradition, extra charges could conceivably be brought. “That almost never happens,” said Nick Vamos, the former head of extradition at the Crown Prosecution Service who is a partner at the London law firm peters and Peters. “American prosecutors would also have to seek the consent of the UK to bring in further charges.”
The second exemption covers what happens after someone has been extradited, convicted and then chooses to remain in the country. Essentially the extraditing country has to allow the prisoner time to run away after they have served their sentence.The second exemption covers what happens after someone has been extradited, convicted and then chooses to remain in the country. Essentially the extraditing country has to allow the prisoner time to run away after they have served their sentence.
“After a short period, however, usually two months,” Vamos explained, “anyone who remained in the same country would be deemed to be treated like a local citizen and could be charged for other offences.”“After a short period, however, usually two months,” Vamos explained, “anyone who remained in the same country would be deemed to be treated like a local citizen and could be charged for other offences.”
Neither conditions are likely to be met in Assange’s case. “The US has only put one charge on the indictment and it carries the maximum term of five years in prison. Assange has the opportunity to assent to it. It’s relatively light sentence by US standards,” said Vamos.Neither conditions are likely to be met in Assange’s case. “The US has only put one charge on the indictment and it carries the maximum term of five years in prison. Assange has the opportunity to assent to it. It’s relatively light sentence by US standards,” said Vamos.