John Pilger just been on BBC saying women in Sweden were railroaded into making a rape claim against him by Swedish police. . http://www.theguardian.com/media/2016/feb/04/julian-assange-wikileaks-arrest-friday-un-investigation
A United Nations panel has decided that Julian Assange’s three-and-a-half years in the Ecuadorian embassy amount to “arbitrary detention”, the Guardian understands, leading his lawyers to call for the Swedish extradition request to be dropped immediately.
The WikiLeaks founder sought asylum from Ecuador in June 2012 to avoid extradition to Sweden to face questioning over rape and sexual assault allegations, which he denies.
The panel’s findings were disclosed to the Swedish and British governments on 22 January, and will be published on Friday morning. Their judgment is not legally binding but can be used to apply pressure on states in human rights cases.
Analysis Julian Assange's embassy showdown: what it means and what happens next Four key questions answered on why the WikiLeaks founder is still holed up in an embassy in London and what could happen on Friday Read more Assange’s Swedish lawyer, Per Samuelson, said if the working group found in his favour, “there is only one solution for Marianne Ny [the Swedish prosecutor seeking Assange’s extradition], and that is to immediately release him and drop the case”. Samuelson added: “If he is regarded as detained, that means he has served his time, so I see no other option for Sweden but to close the case.”
Assange’s lawyers also demanded assurances from the UK that he would not be arrested and subjected to potential extradition to face potential prosecution over WikiLeaks’ publishing activities.
The British Foreign Office said it would not pre-empt the panel’s findings, but said in a statement: “We have been consistently clear that Mr Assange has never been arbitrarily detained by the UK but is, in fact, voluntarily avoiding lawful arrest by choosing to remain in the Ecuadorian embassy.
“An allegation of rape is still outstanding and a European arrest warrant in place, so the UK continues to have a legal obligation to extradite Mr Assange to Sweden.”
Anna Ekberg, a spokesperson for the Swedish foreign ministry, said it would not comment before the formal publication on Friday. The Swedish prosecutor is currently on holiday and unavailable for comment, a spokesman said.
In a statement issued by WikiLeaks on Twitter, Assange said he would voluntarily walk out of the embassy on Friday and accept arrest “as there is no meaningful prospect of further appeal”.
“However, should I prevail and the state parties be found to have acted unlawfully, I expect the immediate return of my passport and the termination of further attempts to arrest me.”
Neither Sweden nor the UK will be compelled to take any action, but a source familiar with the working group said that if the governments choose to ignore the decision, it could make it difficult for them in future to bring pressure on other countries over human rights violations.
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Assange had appealed to the UN panel claiming that his stay in the embassy was arbitrary because he had been unable to exercise his right to asylum, arguing: “The only way for Mr Assange to enjoy is right to asylum is to be in detention. This is not a legally acceptable choice.”
He also argued that UK law had been changed since 2012, which meant if arrested today he would no longer be liable to extradition under the European Arrest Warrant.
I think Britain and Israel consider themselves above being judged by the UN when it takes their fancy
Why doesnt he escape in a laundry basket or box or something like in films. Many have escaped from prisons.
Or use a hot air balloon to float off the roof, what they gunna do shoot him down?
I think Britain and Israel consider themselves above being judged by the UN when it takes their fancy Why doesnt he escape in a laundry basket or box or something like in films.Many have escaped from prisons.Or use a hot air balloon to float off the
Somebody should make an app for the iphone, similar to escape monty mole on the spectrum.....where he has to avoid the plod and get on a boat while make cameron look a right tit
Somebody should make an app for the iphone, similar to escape monty mole on the spectrum.....where he has to avoid the plod and get on a boat while make cameron look a right tit
What on earth has the United Nations got to do with any of this? When did they somehow usurp National/EU Law ? So, the next time a motorist is done for a speeding offence, do they consult the United Nations for a ruling?
I don't understand how Blancmange is being "arbitrarily held" either. He voluntarily walked into an Embassy a few years ago when he suspected his collar might be felt by then Yanks.
Still, at least that strategy was a little more dignified than the wheeze that the soldier who leaked him the cables came up with. He suddenly decided he was a woman, a pitiful strategy laughably lapped up 'The Guardian' and their ilk.
What on earth has the United Nations got to do with any of this? When did they somehow usurp National/EU Law ? So, the next time a motorist is done for a speeding offence, do they consult the United Nations for a ruling? I don't understand how Blan
the guy, or girl will do well to assume hes at war with his captors because I suspect they will take any opportunity they can to make life difficult, including 'encouraging' opinions of those other inmates. Perhaps a noble act like smearing his own 5hit all over would impress you a bit?
the guy, or girl will do well to assume hes at war with his captors because I suspect they will take any opportunity they can to make life difficult, including 'encouraging' opinions of those other inmates. Perhaps a noble act like smearing his own 5
Not really Dusty. A policy of smearing excrement on the walls is for one thing a two fingers to the poor underpaid cleaner who has to deal with it. It's not what I would call a 'progressive' act. Goodness knows how his employers at The Guardian would view that. (No, don't laugh, according to Wikipedia they employ him as a writer on various issues he knows little about).
If he had integrity and believed in what he did, why not simply take the proper course of action, and stand up and be counted? People have done that throughout history, without feeling it necessary the go to Holloway and be raped night after night by Queen Bee's strap-on.
Not really Dusty. A policy of smearing excrement on the walls is for one thing a two fingers to the poor underpaid cleaner who has to deal with it. It's not what I would call a 'progressive' act. Goodness knows how his employers at The Guardian would
I doubt he/she see it as a continued martyrdom issue. Is he supposed to die a thousand deaths just to prove his point, or was his actions the only true regulation against what amounts to totalitarianism and in itself the act of bravery knowing what would happen? Sure theres an argument that he made some kind of oath, but it wasnt a soul selling oath like was suggested, it was little more than employment and he/she clearly held strong views. Are we born into silence and tacit agreement with each government action simply by being born on a certain strip of land? I say no.
I doubt he/she see it as a continued martyrdom issue.Is he supposed to die a thousand deaths just to prove his point, or was his actions the only true regulation against what amounts to totalitarianism and in itself the act of bravery knowing what wo
The good news is that St Valentine's Day is coming up next week. There's still time for his admirers to send him some flowers, chocs or a pair of naughty knickers for him to wear if they so wish.
The good news is that St Valentine's Day is coming up next week. There's still time for his admirers to send him some flowers, chocs or a pair of naughty knickers for him to wear if they so wish.
He needs to think up something. What happens if he needs medical assistance and has to be taken to hospital?
Sure the whole thing is a bit of a wheeze and I love to see the establishment's nose out of joint but he can't win this thinking like he is. I still think the diplomatic bag has value
He needs to think up something.What happens if he needs medical assistance and has to be taken to hospital?Sure the whole thing is a bit of a wheeze and I love to see the establishment's nose out of joint but he can't win this thinking like he is.I s
Hang on, he's chosen to go into hiding in a place where the police can't touch him and take him away to answer the charges against him and that's called "arbitrary detention".
In that case can all the drug dealers who've gone into hiding on the Costa del Sol get the UN to make a similar call on them and maybe they can get some compo?
Hang on, he's chosen to go into hiding in a place where the police can't touch him and take him away to answer the charges against him and that's called "arbitrary detention".In that case can all the drug dealers who've gone into hiding on the Costa
The problem with it is that assange technically isn't on British soil, so even though he's effectively under house arrest, all the police are doing is policing London.
He needs to get a jet pack and leap from one embassy to another
The problem with it is that assange technically isn't on British soil, so even though he's effectively under house arrest, all the police are doing is policing London.He needs to get a jet pack and leap from one embassy to another
It's still pretty amusing though when you think of it. I thought it would last a weekend and ultimately would be a desperate last ditch attempt to **** a snoop at the British and Americans, but years???
The best part for me is the sacrifice the man is prepared to make in his refusal to comply, and the fact it's to Britain and Americas chargrin that it's costing them sooooo much money in the process, and both countries worship the stuff like its manna from heaven.
It's still pretty amusing though when you think of it.I thought it would last a weekend and ultimately would be a desperate last ditch attempt to **** a snoop at the British and Americans, but years???The best part for me is the sacrifice the man is
The women were frog-marched into making a complaint by Swedish Security services who were lapdogs to CIA.
Pilger said sms messages show they were not raped.
The women were frog-marched into making a complaint by Swedish Security services who were lapdogs to CIA.Pilger said sms messages show they were not raped.
so if drug dealers abscond to somewhere that doesn't have an extradition treaty (erm Ecuador?) then it's not going on the run, it's arbitrary detention?
so if drug dealers abscond to somewhere that doesn't have an extradition treaty (erm Ecuador?) then it's not going on the run, it's arbitrary detention?
As of today, the cost to the British Taxpayer has Risen to over £13 Million Pounds Sterling, Julian Assange should be allowed to walk free and be compensated for his "deprivation of liberty", a UN legal panel has found. Government Ministers have Blasted the U.N`s Panel decision that he is being wrongly detained in the U.K. They are Not 5 Lawyers on the panel but "Laymen" says Philip Hammond, The Met Police said it will make "every effort" to arrest Mr Assange should he leave the embassy, The panel's ruling is not legally binding in the UK and a European Arrest Warrant remains in place.
When the UK Government don't get the decision they want, everyone else is part of a "Banana Republic", Assange knows full well, the UK Government will implement the E.U Arrest warrant issued by Sweden, who will then Extradite him to America. Regarding the 2 Women "Claiming Rape", one has withdrew her allegations and the other admits she was "Pressured" by the Swedish Government to make a claim. Its all about the Wiki leaks.
As of today, the cost to the British Taxpayer has Risen to over £13 Million Pounds Sterling,Julian Assange should be allowed to walk free and be compensated for his "deprivation of liberty", a UN legal panel has found.Government Ministers have Blast
Brits like to accept "The Hague's" decisions The city is also home to the U.N.’s International Court of Justice, headquartered in the Peace Palace, and the International Criminal Court.
Brits like to accept "The Hague's" decisionsThe city is also home to the U.N.’s International Court of Justice, headquartered in the Peace Palace, and the International Criminal Court.
The UN argument is pretty tenuous here I'm afraid. Hammond doesn't need or in my opinion should start taking about who is fit to judge in this instance (Christ that would open a real Pandora's box). The point here is the police arnt doing anything in restricting his Liberty, it's not their fault the embassy is just one building, he is free to leave it under his own command. If they had locked the doors then he'd have a point.
Maybe one day he will make a run for it some how, be great telly, beat anything American tv does in police chases.
Ofc this is about sour grapes on Americas part and Britain does as Britain always does, suck america's.......
The UN argument is pretty tenuous here I'm afraid. Hammond doesn't need or in my opinion should start taking about who is fit to judge in this instance (Christ that would open a real Pandora's box).The point here is the police arnt doing anything in
Thing is though, he's not restricted. He could go outside and answer the charge of rape against him. If this was Gary Glitter there'd be pitchforks at the door but because it's Assange there's just an automatic assumption that the charges are trumped up and he's being hounded. Sorry, that's for the courts to decide.
Thing is though, he's not restricted. He could go outside and answer the charge of rape against him. If this was Gary Glitter there'd be pitchforks at the door but because it's Assange there's just an automatic assumption that the charges are trumped
It is indeed for the courts to decide, it's just all the sharp practice that's stands between where he is right now and that court in session means no fooker trusts people with interests to do the right things. Integrity is so sparse that those with vested interests will use any and all means to get what they desire, which ofc in any true world of decency would suggest the constitution isn't worth the paper it is written on.
It is indeed for the courts to decide, it's just all the sharp practice that's stands between where he is right now and that court in session means no fooker trusts people with interests to do the right things.Integrity is so sparse that those with v
Why should he dictate terms? The alleged crime was based there so that's where he should go to answer the charges. That's what would happen with everyone else surely.
Why should he dictate terms? The alleged crime was based there so that's where he should go to answer the charges. That's what would happen with everyone else surely.
Melinda Taylor says the finding affirms that Assange has been a victim of a miscarriage of justice. “He has been detained for five years, one month and 29 days,” she says.
“If you have no effective freedom, then you are detained ... yet Sweden and the UK refused to acknowledge that,” she added.
Melinda Taylor says the finding affirms that Assange has been a victim of a miscarriage of justice. “He has been detained for five years, one month and 29 days,” she says.“If you have no effective freedom, then you are detained ... yet Sweden a
I'm not watching but the argument that you are detained by somebody simply by not having freedom is pretty flimsy.
He isn't dictating terms, it's Ecuador that doesn't recognise the extradition request.
I'm not watching but the argument that you are detained by somebody simply by not having freedom is pretty flimsy.He isn't dictating terms, it's Ecuador that doesn't recognise the extradition request.
I don't understand how his freedom is being restricted. He's wanted in Sweden to answer some serious charges. He's choosing to evade them by hiding out.
He's dictating terms by demanding he meets the police in London. Since when do the accused get to decide where and when they will be interviewed by the police.
I don't understand how his freedom is being restricted. He's wanted in Sweden to answer some serious charges. He's choosing to evade them by hiding out. He's dictating terms by demanding he meets the police in London. Since when do the accused get to
Assange is guilty of not adding more 'f uck you' entertainment though I reckon. What's wrong with a bit a hanging your arse out the window or pressing your face against the glass in fake mockery? Throwing screwed up paper at the plod wouldn't go amiss either.
If he just accepts he's on borrowed time and makes the most of it to lambast and satirise the establishment then at least he's doing something.
Assange is guilty of not adding more 'f uck you' entertainment though I reckon.What's wrong with a bit a hanging your arse out the window or pressing your face against the glass in fake mockery?Throwing screwed up paper at the plod wouldn't go amiss
He's only a free man because he's evading the legitimate charge of rape against him. If I rob a bank and hot foot it to Ecuador before the police close the borders then I might be a free man but only because I'm evading justice.
He's only a free man because he's evading the legitimate charge of rape against him. If I rob a bank and hot foot it to Ecuador before the police close the borders then I might be a free man but only because I'm evading justice.
What an idiotic decision by a panel made up of apparently non lawyers, who are clearly as dim as you like. He's not being detained. He can leave any time he likes! He'll probably then be lifted and taken to the country that put out an arrest warrant, which is entirely normal. FFS if people can't put out arrest warrants and give them to other countries, which is what the UN are saying, international rule of law will break down and criminals will laugh their heads off. You'd have to have an IQ below 80 not to understand this, which doesn't say much for the UN.
I'm sure the usual conspiracy theorists and lefie wingnuts won't see any sense though.
What an idiotic decision by a panel made up of apparently non lawyers, who are clearly as dim as you like.He's not being detained. He can leave any time he likes! He'll probably then be lifted and taken to the country that put out an arrest warrant,
The core result of this decision is this: Anyone who has an arrest warrant out for them can hide in an embassy, then claim they are detained as they can't leave without being arrested, then claim compensation. That's the essence of it. It's plainly idiotic.
The core result of this decision is this: Anyone who has an arrest warrant out for them can hide in an embassy, then claim they are detained as they can't leave without being arrested, then claim compensation. That's the essence of it. It's plainly i
It's not binding anyway. You wonder what the salaries and expense of this to the UN (in turn paid by taxpayers) is to come to a decision that is pointless in the first place. I wonder if a Kinnock or Miliband was on that particular gravy Train.
It's not binding anyway. You wonder what the salaries and expense of this to the UN (in turn paid by taxpayers) is to come to a decision that is pointless in the first place. I wonder if a Kinnock or Miliband was on that particular gravy Train.
There simply needs to be put in place a guaranteed safe passage to (and possibly from) the court proceedings in another country. How you go about that is anyone's guess, but the fact no fooker has really says two things 1. The contrivances of the present system and 2. That the intention isnt for justice???????
There simply needs to be put in place a guaranteed safe passage to (and possibly from) the court proceedings in another country.How you go about that is anyone's guess, but the fact no fooker has really says two things1. The contrivances of the prese
"A Freedom of Information request submitted by the Hazel Press news organization has revealed that Sweden has granted 44 requests to interview witnesses or suspects in the UK since 2010, the Press Association reports."
Asking for something that was granted to 44 other people doesn't sound unreasonable or like 'dictating terms' to me.
"A Freedom of Information request submitted by the Hazel Press news organization has revealed that Sweden has granted 44 requests to interview witnesses or suspects in the UK since 2010, the Press Association reports."Asking for something that was gr
First. The yanks want to lock him up for ever. They will get the swedes as stooges to achieve this. The two women have withdrawn from the case as I understand it. The tory boys are saying he should go to sweden which has a fine record and an excellent legal system.
WOULD THIS BE THE SAME SYSTEM THAT HAS TRIED TO HIDE ALL THE RAPES, ATTACKS, ROBBERIES, AND ARSON BY MUSLIMS!! ??? HA HA!!!
First. The yanks want to lock him up for ever. They will get the swedes as stooges to achieve this.The two women have withdrawn from the case as I understand it.The tory boys are saying he should go to sweden which has a fine record and an excellen
Why do the UK and Sweden disobey international law?
The United Kingdom says it has a treaty obligation to extradite Mr. Assange to Sweden even though he has not been charged with an offense. There is a conflict between the United Kingdom’s obligations to the 1951 UN refugee convention and its obligations under the European Arrest Warrant system. It is established law that these conflicts are to be resolved in favour of the higher obligation which is to the 1951 convention.
Rather than following international law, the United Kingdom has chosen to interpret the conflict in favor of its geopolitical alliances. The United Kingdom has a history of breaking international law in this manner, for example, in its invasion of Iraq, its cooperation with US rendition operations, and its facilitation of global mass spying via its intelligence service GCHQ. Sweden is also a party to these last two violations.
Why do the UK and Sweden disobey international law?The United Kingdom says it has a treaty obligation to extradite Mr. Assange to Sweden even though he has not been charged with an offense. There is a conflict between the United Kingdom’s obligatio
Over the past year, new information has emerged that both women explicitly deny having been raped by Mr. Assange. In a statement to the UK Supreme Court, the prosecutor acknowledged that the complainants wished only to ask the police for advice about HIV tests, having discovered they’d had both had sex with Mr. Assange. (There has never been an allegation Mr. Assange has HIV.) Neither of the women wished to lodge a formal complaint.
The woman of whom Mr. Assange is accused of the offence of "lesser rape" (a technical term in Swedish law) sent an SMS to a friend saying that she "did not want to accuse JA [of] anything" and "it was the police who made up the charges". The other woman tweeted in 2013 that she had never been raped. Both women’s testimonies say that they consented to the sex. A senior prosecutor already dismissed the ’rape’ accusation, saying that there were no grounds for accusing Mr. Assange on this basis. But a third prosecutor, lobbied by a politician who was running for attorney general, took over the investigation and resurrected the accusations against Mr. Assange. Due to the great number of incorrect reports of, it is best to rely on primary source documents in this matter, which are on the internet and the UK Supreme Court "Agreed Statements of Facts" agreed to by the UK, the Swedish authoritiesm and Mr. Assange’s legal team.
Is Mr. Assange accused of ’rape’?Over the past year, new information has emerged that both women explicitly deny having been raped by Mr. Assange. In a statement to the UK Supreme Court, the prosecutor acknowledged that the complainants wished on
it can't have been hard to grab him anyway. They just needed to pay someone to set the fire alarm off in the Ecuador Embassy and out he'd have come screaming and crying.
it can't have been hard to grab him anyway. They just needed to pay someone to set the fire alarm off in the Ecuador Embassy and out he'd have come screaming and crying.
While I dont agree with the determination of the UN it surely must now raise the question 'what are you going to do about it then?' If they decide Britain is in the wrong then will they sanction them? If they do nothing then what is the point of it and them?
Hammond missed out saying 'we asked america what we make of it all and they said carry on'
While I dont agree with the determination of the UN it surely must now raise the question 'what are you going to do about it then?'If they decide Britain is in the wrong then will they sanction them?If they do nothing then what is the point of it and
The woman of whom Mr. Assange is accused of the offence of "lesser rape" (a technical term in Swedish law) sent an SMS to a friend saying that she "did not want to accuse JA [of] anything" and "it was the police who made up the charges". The other woman tweeted in 2013 that she had never been raped. Both women’s testimonies say that they consented to the sex. A senior prosecutor already dismissed the ’rape’ accusation, saying that there were no grounds for accusing Mr. Assange on this basis. But a third prosecutor, lobbied by a politician who was running for attorney general, took over the investigation and resurrected the accusations against Mr. Assange.
The woman of whom Mr. Assange is accused of the offence of "lesser rape" (a technical term in Swedish law) sent an SMS to a friend saying that she "did not want to accuse JA [of] anything" and "it was the police who made up the charges". The other wo
it was turned into a feminist sexist case on sky news today and the feminist went almost unchallenged
why do the main tv news media do this and select one slant
watch al jazeera they get a pro anti and middle when this sort of stuff comes up
on british broadcasting caliphate they go only one way as does sky news!!
it was turned into a feminist sexist case on sky news today and the feminist went almost unchallengedwhy do the main tv news media do this and select one slantwatch al jazeera they get a pro anti and middle when this sort of stuff comes upon brit
I think the whole world knows that USofA want him for what he has done and will go to any length to do so, the pawn in Sweden is already questionable. Certainly going to be interesting to see which way this goes.
I think the whole world knows that USofA want him for what he has done and will go to any length to do so, the pawn in Sweden is already questionable. Certainly going to be interesting to see which way this goes.