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Julian Assange 'further arrested' on behalf of the US after extradition request, police say – live updates Julian Assange: US justice department says he faces five years in jail – live updates
(32 minutes later)
Theresa May has given a statement on Assange. Speaking to the Commons before updating MPs on the Brexit delay, she said: The US justice department has confirmed that it issued an extradition request for Assange “in connection with a federal charge of conspiracy to commit computer intrusion for agreeing to break a password to a classified US government computer”.
I am sure that the whole House will welcome the news this morning that the Metropolitan Police have arrested Julian Assange. Arrested for breach of bail after nearly seven years in the Ecuadorian embassy. He has also been arrested in relation to an extradition request from the United States authorities. This is now a legal matter before the courts. The home secretary will make a statement on this later, but I would like to thank the Metropolitan Police for carrying out their duties with great professionalism and to welcome the cooperation of the Ecuadorian government in bringing this matter to a resolution. This goes to show that in the United Kingdom no one is above the law. In a statement, it cited court documents unsealed today that show the charge relates to “Assange’s alleged role in one of the largest compromises of classified information in the history of the United States”.
Assange gave photographers a thumbs up as he was driven a way in a police van from the embassy. It claims Assange faces only five years in jail if convicted.
A scuffle broke out outside the Ecuadorian embassy between embassy security and a reporter from Chile’s el Ciudadano who tried to challenge the ambassador as he was taken into a car. It says:
Patricio Mary, the reporter, said he had wanted to ask ambassador, Jaime Martín, about promises he had made to respect Assange’s asylum. The indictment alleges that in March 2010 Assange engaged in a conspiracy with Chelsea Manning, a former intelligence analyst in the US Army, to assist Manning in cracking a password stored on US Department of Defense computers connected to the Secret Internet Protocol Network (SIPRNet), a US government network used for classified documents and communications. Manning, who had access to the computers in connection with her duties as an intelligence analyst, was using the computers to download classified records to transmit to WikiLeaks. Cracking the password would have allowed Manning to log on to the computers under a username that did not belong to her. Such a deceptive measure would have made it more difficult for investigators to determine the source of the illegal disclosures.
During the conspiracy, Manning and Assange engaged in real-time discussions regarding Manning’s transmission of classified records to Assange. The discussions also reflect Assange actively encouraging Manning to provide more information. During an exchange, Manning told Assange that “after this upload, that’s all I really have got left”. To which Assange replied, “curious eyes never run dry in my experience”.
Assange is charged with conspiracy to commit computer intrusion and is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison if convicted. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the US sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
The extradition will be handled by the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs.
An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
Assange could be heard urging the UK to resist the Trump administration as he was being led away, according to video from Sky News which enhanced audio on the recording.
Julian Assange: key dates in the WikiLeaks founder's case
Elisabeth Massi Fritz, a lawyer who represents one of Assange’s accusers in Sweden, has submitted a request to Sweden’s prosecutor’s office for the preliminary investigation into the case to be resumed, the Swedish news site Expressen confirms.
Advokat Elisabeth Massi Fritz om gripandet av Assange i London: "Att det vi har väntat och hoppats på i snart sju års tid nu händer kommer så klart som en chock för min klient” https://t.co/PmItCPuvPz pic.twitter.com/5eKVcllOPP
Journalist and ex-lawyer Glenn Greenwald, who worked at the Guardian at the time of the Edward Snowden leaks, said US attempts to extradite Assange were “extremely chilling”.
Speaking to Democracy Now he said: “The idea that the US government can just extend its reach to any news outlet anywhere in the world and criminalise publication of documents … is extremely chilling.”
.@ggreenwald says Julian Assange is not American and Wikileaks is a foreign-based news organization. "So the idea that the U.S. government can just extend its reach to any news outlet anywhere in the world and criminalize publication of documents … is extremely chilling.” pic.twitter.com/2mWlcpMume
Theresa May has given a statement about Assange. Speaking to the Commons before updating MPs on the Brexit delay, she said:
I am sure that the whole house will welcome the news this morning that the Metropolitan Police have arrested Julian Assange – arrested for breach of bail after nearly seven years in the Ecuadorian embassy. He has also been arrested in relation to an extradition request from the United States’ authorities. This is now a legal matter before the courts. The home secretary will make a statement on this later, but I would like to thank the Metropolitan Police for carrying out their duties with great professionalism and to welcome the cooperation of the Ecuadorian government in bringing this matter to a resolution. This goes to show that, in the United Kingdom, no one is above the law.
Assange gave photographers a thumbs up as he was driven away from the embassy in a police van.
A scuffle broke out outside the Ecuadorian embassy between embassy security and a reporter from Chile’s el Ciudadano newspaper who tried to challenge the ambassador as he was taken into a car.
Patricio Mary, the reporter, said he had wanted to ask ambassador Jaime Martín about promises he had made to respect Assange’s asylum.
“Ecuadorian police pushed me and tried to fight with me,” he said. “We started shouting traitor and liar because when I interviewed him two days ago he told me there was no change with the position of Julian Assange and that the government of Lenín Moreno will respect international law.”“Ecuadorian police pushed me and tried to fight with me,” he said. “We started shouting traitor and liar because when I interviewed him two days ago he told me there was no change with the position of Julian Assange and that the government of Lenín Moreno will respect international law.”
He said the Ecuadorians had breached their own sovereignty by inviting British police into their embassy. It was symbolic of the way the Ecuadorian government had treated journalists in their own country, where Moreno had shut down opposing newspapers and betrayed an incipient socialist revolution, he said.He said the Ecuadorians had breached their own sovereignty by inviting British police into their embassy. It was symbolic of the way the Ecuadorian government had treated journalists in their own country, where Moreno had shut down opposing newspapers and betrayed an incipient socialist revolution, he said.
Earlier an Assange supporter, a woman who declined to give her name, was overheard saying that she thought the embassy was being watched last night and that police had chosen to swoop when his supporters were not around. Earlier, an Assange supporter – a woman who declined to give her name – was overheard saying that she thought the embassy was being watched last night and that police had chosen to swoop when his supporters were not around.
She said she would not comment to the Guardian, which she accused of vilifying Assange. Nevertheless, she added: “Do you think this means just one man being arrested? This is your press freedom on the line. But I guess you don’t care about that; you are already bought and paid for.”She said she would not comment to the Guardian, which she accused of vilifying Assange. Nevertheless, she added: “Do you think this means just one man being arrested? This is your press freedom on the line. But I guess you don’t care about that; you are already bought and paid for.”
Two Californians, Carol and David Hatcher, who are holidaying close to the embassy said they had come to visit Assange’s supporters. “I don’t have a view about what’s happening, I’m not making any judgments about people,” Carol Hatcher said.Two Californians, Carol and David Hatcher, who are holidaying close to the embassy said they had come to visit Assange’s supporters. “I don’t have a view about what’s happening, I’m not making any judgments about people,” Carol Hatcher said.
The Guardian’s former Washington office chief, Ewen MacAskill, has some background.The Guardian’s former Washington office chief, Ewen MacAskill, has some background.
US grand jury behind Assange charges met in secret in 2010 after Guardian, Der Spiegel, NYT published cables. Why are they not being prosecuted? Only difference would be if Assange accused of encouraging Chelsea Manning to leak them?US grand jury behind Assange charges met in secret in 2010 after Guardian, Der Spiegel, NYT published cables. Why are they not being prosecuted? Only difference would be if Assange accused of encouraging Chelsea Manning to leak them?
US did not waste any time putting in extradition request for Assange. Terrible precedent if journalist/publisher ends up in US jail for Iraq war logs and state department cables.US did not waste any time putting in extradition request for Assange. Terrible precedent if journalist/publisher ends up in US jail for Iraq war logs and state department cables.
The Home Office has confirmed the US request for Assange’s extradition is for an alleged “computer-related offence”.The Home Office has confirmed the US request for Assange’s extradition is for an alleged “computer-related offence”.
A Home Office spokesperson said: “We can confirm that Julian Assange was arrested in relation to a provisional extradition request from the United States of America.A Home Office spokesperson said: “We can confirm that Julian Assange was arrested in relation to a provisional extradition request from the United States of America.
“He is accused in the United States of America computer-related offences.” “He is accused in the United States of America [on] computer-related offences.”
Pablo Iglesias, the leader of the Spanish anti-austerity Podemos party, has called for Assange to be released.Pablo Iglesias, the leader of the Spanish anti-austerity Podemos party, has called for Assange to be released.
“Exploitation, injustice and the privileges of the powerful are only possible because they are built on lies,” he tweeted. “That’s why if there’s something that power fears – in Spain and elsewhere in the world – it’s the truth. Free Julian Assange.”“Exploitation, injustice and the privileges of the powerful are only possible because they are built on lies,” he tweeted. “That’s why if there’s something that power fears – in Spain and elsewhere in the world – it’s the truth. Free Julian Assange.”
Two members of Podemos met Assange in the Ecuadorian embassy in 2016. A spokesman for the party told the Guardian it had been an informal visit, during which they had discussed “protecting whistleblowers, freedom of expression and information in Europe, and democracy on the internet”.Two members of Podemos met Assange in the Ecuadorian embassy in 2016. A spokesman for the party told the Guardian it had been an informal visit, during which they had discussed “protecting whistleblowers, freedom of expression and information in Europe, and democracy on the internet”.
The former Catalan president Carles Puigdemont, who fled to Belgium after leading the region’s failed bid to secede from Spain in autumn 2017, also offered Assange his support.The former Catalan president Carles Puigdemont, who fled to Belgium after leading the region’s failed bid to secede from Spain in autumn 2017, also offered Assange his support.
“I am deeply shocked by the arrest of Julian Assange in London,” he tweeted. “Human rights, and especially freedom of expression, are under attack once again in Europe.”“I am deeply shocked by the arrest of Julian Assange in London,” he tweeted. “Human rights, and especially freedom of expression, are under attack once again in Europe.”
Puigdemont offered Assange “all my support and solidarity” and called on the EU to protect “fundamental rights”.Puigdemont offered Assange “all my support and solidarity” and called on the EU to protect “fundamental rights”.
Assange’s pronouncements on the Catalan independence crisis annoyed the then Spanish government, which conveyed its displeasure to the authorities in Quito.Assange’s pronouncements on the Catalan independence crisis annoyed the then Spanish government, which conveyed its displeasure to the authorities in Quito.
In November 2017, Assange hosted two supporters of the Catalan independence movement.In November 2017, Assange hosted two supporters of the Catalan independence movement.
The WikiLeaks founder said he supported the right to “self-determination” and was a vocal critic of the Spanish government’s handling of the independence issue.The WikiLeaks founder said he supported the right to “self-determination” and was a vocal critic of the Spanish government’s handling of the independence issue.
He described the Catalan independence movement as “the re-definition of the relationship between people and state”, and “the most disciplined Gandhian project since Gandhi”.He described the Catalan independence movement as “the re-definition of the relationship between people and state”, and “the most disciplined Gandhian project since Gandhi”.
The foreign secretary, Jeremy Hunt, has issued a longer statement on Assange’s arrest.The foreign secretary, Jeremy Hunt, has issued a longer statement on Assange’s arrest.
He said:He said:
“What we’ve shown today is that no one is above the law. Julian Assange is no hero. He has hidden from the truth for years and years and it is right that his future should be decided in the British judicial system. What’s happened today is the result of years of careful diplomacy by the Foreign Office and I commend particularly our ambassador in Ecuador and Sir Alan Duncan and his team here in London for their work. But it is also a very courageous decision from President Moreno in Ecuador to resolve this situation that has been going on for nearly seven years. I mean it’s not so much Julian Assange being held hostage in the Ecuadorian Embassy, it’s actually Julian Assange holding the Ecuadorian Embassy hostage in a situation that was absolutely intolerable for them. So this will now be decided properly, independently by the British legal system respected throughout the world for its independence and integrity and that is the right outcome. What we’ve shown today is that no one is above the law. Julian Assange is no hero. He has hidden from the truth for years and years and it is right that his future should be decided in the British judicial system. What’s happened today is the result of years of careful diplomacy by the Foreign Office and I commend particularly our ambassador in Ecuador and Sir Alan Duncan and his team here in London for their work. But it is also a very courageous decision from President Moreno in Ecuador to resolve this situation that has been going on for nearly seven years. I mean, it’s not so much Julian Assange being held hostage in the Ecuadorian embassy, it’s actually Julian Assange holding the Ecuadorian embassy hostage in a situation that was absolutely intolerable for them. So this will now be decided properly, independently by the British legal system, respected throughout the world for its independence and integrity and that is the right outcome.
“We have been talking to Ecuador for a very long time about how to resolve this situation. We are a law-abiding country and we will always uphold the law so we have to follow all the international rules in a situation like this. But there was a change of leadership in Ecuador. President Moreno took a courageous decision, which has meant we were able to resolve the situation today. We’re not making any judgment about Julian Assange’s innocence or guilt, that is for the courts to decide. But what is not acceptable is for someone to escape facing justice and he has tried to do that for a very long time and that is why he is no hero.” We have been talking to Ecuador for a very long time about how to resolve this situation. We are a law-abiding country and we will always uphold the law so we have to follow all the international rules in a situation like this. But there was a change of leadership in Ecuador. President Moreno took a courageous decision, which has meant we were able to resolve the situation today. We’re not making any judgment about Julian Assange’s innocence or guilt, that is for the courts to decide. But what is not acceptable is for someone to escape facing justice and he has tried to do that for a very long time and that is why he is no hero.
The US embassy in London has this guide to extradition between the two countries, meant to dispel the controversy past attempts have led to.The US embassy in London has this guide to extradition between the two countries, meant to dispel the controversy past attempts have led to.
The United States has requested the extradition of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, after he was arrested at the Ecuadorean embassy in London. The Metropolitan police said the arrest was made on behalf of the US authorities.The United States has requested the extradition of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, after he was arrested at the Ecuadorean embassy in London. The Metropolitan police said the arrest was made on behalf of the US authorities.
Police were videoed forcibly removing Assange, from the Ecuadorian embassy, at around at around 10.50am. Police had been invited into the embassy 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.
Assange is due to appear at Westminster magistrates court later on Thursday. He was being held on a warrant issued by the court when he skipped bail in 2012.Assange is due to appear at Westminster magistrates court later on Thursday. He was being held on a warrant issued by the court when he skipped bail in 2012.
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 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.”
Elisabeth Massi Fritz, a lawyer for one of the two women who accused Assange, welcomed the arrest. The Swedish prosecution authority is expected to issue a statement later.Elisabeth Massi Fritz, a lawyer for one of the two women who accused Assange, welcomed the arrest. The Swedish prosecution authority is expected to issue a statement later.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow hoped that Assange’s rights would not be violated. A spokeswoman for the foreign ministry accused the UK of strangling freedom.Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow hoped that Assange’s rights would not be violated. A spokeswoman for the foreign ministry accused the UK of strangling freedom.
The arrest was welcomed by the UK government. The foreign secretary, Jeremy Hunt, thanked Ecuador, saying: “Julian Assange is no hero and no one is above the law. He has hidden from the truth for years.” The home secretary, Sajid Javid, is due to update parliament later on Thursday.The arrest was welcomed by the UK government. The foreign secretary, Jeremy Hunt, thanked Ecuador, saying: “Julian Assange is no hero and no one is above the law. He has hidden from the truth for years.” The home secretary, Sajid Javid, is due to update parliament later on Thursday.
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.
Sweden’s chief prosecutor, Ingrid Isgren, has issued this statement: “This is news to us too, so we have not been able to take a position on the information that is now available. We also do not know why he is under arrest. We are following the developments.”Sweden’s chief prosecutor, Ingrid Isgren, has issued this statement: “This is news to us too, so we have not been able to take a position on the information that is now available. We also do not know why he is under arrest. We are following the developments.”
A preliminary investigation can be resumed as long as the suspected crime is not subject to a statute of limitation, the prosecutor added. In this case, the suspected crime of rape would be subject to a statute of limitation in mid-August 2020.A preliminary investigation can be resumed as long as the suspected crime is not subject to a statute of limitation, the prosecutor added. In this case, the suspected crime of rape would be subject to a statute of limitation in mid-August 2020.
The prosecutor declined to make any further comments.The prosecutor declined to make any further comments.
Rafael Correa, who was Ecuadorian president when Assange was granted asylum, has condemned his successor’s decision.Rafael Correa, who was Ecuadorian president when Assange was granted asylum, has condemned his successor’s decision.
He tweeted that Lenin Moreno was the “greatest traitor in Ecuadorian and Latin American history”.He tweeted that Lenin Moreno was the “greatest traitor in Ecuadorian and Latin American history”.
The greatest traitor in Ecuadorian and Latin American history, Lenin Moreno, allowed the British police to enter our embassy in London to arrest Assange.Moreno is a corrupt man, but what he has done is a crime that humanity will never forget. https://t.co/XhT51MA6c6The greatest traitor in Ecuadorian and Latin American history, Lenin Moreno, allowed the British police to enter our embassy in London to arrest Assange.Moreno is a corrupt man, but what he has done is a crime that humanity will never forget. https://t.co/XhT51MA6c6
Scotland Yard has confirmed that Assange was arrested on behalf of the US after receiving a request for his extradition.Scotland Yard has confirmed that Assange was arrested on behalf of the US after receiving a request for his extradition.
In a statement it said:In a statement it said:
Julian Assange, 47, (03.07.71) has today, Thursday 11 April, been further arrested on behalf of the United States authorities, at 10:53hrs after his arrival at a central London police station. This is an extradition warrant under Section 73 of the Extradition Act. He will appear in custody at Westminster Magistrates’ Court as soon as possible.Julian Assange, 47, (03.07.71) has today, Thursday 11 April, been further arrested on behalf of the United States authorities, at 10:53hrs after his arrival at a central London police station. This is an extradition warrant under Section 73 of the Extradition Act. He will appear in custody at Westminster Magistrates’ Court as soon as possible.
The dramatic footage of a white-bearded Julian Assange being carried out of the Ecuadorian embassy in London by British police officers was captured by a camera operator from the news agency Ruptly, a subsidiary of the Russian government-backed news service RT.The dramatic footage of a white-bearded Julian Assange being carried out of the Ecuadorian embassy in London by British police officers was captured by a camera operator from the news agency Ruptly, a subsidiary of the Russian government-backed news service RT.
The Berlin-based agency, which has carved out a niche in live-streaming events that others ignore, such as protests and public disorder, has maintained a 24-hour watch on the embassy since 5 April according to Laura Lucchini, the head of Ruptly’s newsroom.The Berlin-based agency, which has carved out a niche in live-streaming events that others ignore, such as protests and public disorder, has maintained a 24-hour watch on the embassy since 5 April according to Laura Lucchini, the head of Ruptly’s newsroom.
Embarrassingly, British television stations are now having to rely on footage from a Russian government-backed news organisation to cover an event which took place on their own backyard in central London.Embarrassingly, British television stations are now having to rely on footage from a Russian government-backed news organisation to cover an event which took place on their own backyard in central London.
Multiple sources at UK broadcasters suggested there had been a pool agreement – where the BBC, ITN and Sky News take turns to provide a camera outside the embassy and agree to share any footage – from 5 April onwards. However, this was abandoned at the weekend when news editors concluded Assange would not be leaving imminently, meaning British broadcasters failed to capture the key moment.Multiple sources at UK broadcasters suggested there had been a pool agreement – where the BBC, ITN and Sky News take turns to provide a camera outside the embassy and agree to share any footage – from 5 April onwards. However, this was abandoned at the weekend when news editors concluded Assange would not be leaving imminently, meaning British broadcasters failed to capture the key moment.
RT, previously known as Russia Today, has long been supportive of Assange and his associated causes, prompting suggestions that the news organisation could have received a tip about the impending arrest which enabled it to get the footage.RT, previously known as Russia Today, has long been supportive of Assange and his associated causes, prompting suggestions that the news organisation could have received a tip about the impending arrest which enabled it to get the footage.
However, employees at Ruptly insist there is a more simple explanation: they were more committed to having a cameraman outside the building at all times than other broadcasters.However, employees at Ruptly insist there is a more simple explanation: they were more committed to having a cameraman outside the building at all times than other broadcasters.
They now have a global scoop, with the potential to make substantial sums from licensing the footage around the world.They now have a global scoop, with the potential to make substantial sums from licensing the footage around the world.
In the past, British police forces have been willing to quietly tip off the media about high-profile police raids or arrests – but this has changed followed the Cliff Richard case, which saw the BBC fly a helicopter over the singer’s house only for the investigation to end with no charges and an expensive lawsuit.In the past, British police forces have been willing to quietly tip off the media about high-profile police raids or arrests – but this has changed followed the Cliff Richard case, which saw the BBC fly a helicopter over the singer’s house only for the investigation to end with no charges and an expensive lawsuit.
Human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell accused Ecuador of failing to protect Assange.Human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell accused Ecuador of failing to protect Assange.
“The decision of the Ecuadorean government to hand over Assange to the UK police is a clear violation of his Ecuadorean citizenship and asylum rights.“The decision of the Ecuadorean government to hand over Assange to the UK police is a clear violation of his Ecuadorean citizenship and asylum rights.
“Assange’s arrest will put him at risk of extradition to the US, where he will very likely face charges that could see him jailed for 30 or more years. A secret grand jury has been convened to prepare an indictment against Assange and key Trump officials have said that prosecuting Assange is a priority.“Assange’s arrest will put him at risk of extradition to the US, where he will very likely face charges that could see him jailed for 30 or more years. A secret grand jury has been convened to prepare an indictment against Assange and key Trump officials have said that prosecuting Assange is a priority.
“Assange did not leak anything. He published the leaks of Chelsea Manning, as did the Guardian and New York Times. Why is he being signalled out?“Assange did not leak anything. He published the leaks of Chelsea Manning, as did the Guardian and New York Times. Why is he being signalled out?
“Assange published evidence of American war crimes. He’s a hero, not a criminal.“Assange published evidence of American war crimes. He’s a hero, not a criminal.
“The British government should refuse to do the bidding of the Trump administration. It should give public assurances that Assange will not be handed over the US authorities. His extradition to the US is not in the public interest.”“The British government should refuse to do the bidding of the Trump administration. It should give public assurances that Assange will not be handed over the US authorities. His extradition to the US is not in the public interest.”