So Let Me Get This Straight !!! - Re: Julian Assange

[intaglio]

60. Actually, no

The deportation of Assange is being attempted under a "European Arrest Warrant" which does not require a full extradition hearing. The EAW was issued on the grounds that Mr Assange did not return to Sweden for questioning. The EAW has been issued not for rape or attempted rape or non-consensual sex, only for failing to go to Sweden for questioning about such an accusation.

The hearing regarding the EAW only examined if that warrant was lawfully issued under the treaty. Assange appealed on the grounds that such a warrant and such a lack of full hearing was unlawful and in breach of his human rights. All those appeals were turned down. Assange has never had a full extradition hearing regarding the charges for which he is supposedly being questioned, this would would require evidence of his criminality being presented in open court.

Under the treaties governing extradition between the USA and the UK the US government would have to reveal evidence of Assange's guilt in open court and also accept that no evidence obtained by torture would be used against Mr Assange. The treatment of Bradley Manning would be regarded as torture and any evidence obtained from him or from his trial could never be used against Mr Assange.