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© (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2019.U.S. charges Assange after London arrest ends 7 years in Ecuador embassy
By Guy Faulconbridge, Kate Holton and Costas Pitas LONDON©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.
95 Comments
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Emanuel Voelker
Truth is truth. WHY PUNISH SOMEONE FOR REVEALING IT?
kurisupisu
In the UK and the US how many people in positions of power, yet complicit in the deaths of thousands still have their freedom?
Assange’s detention seems slightly hypocritical.
ThePBot
More like he's a pathological liar.
Ah_so
Bass - I'm not sure that being arrested by force is any useful defence in the UK. He's been on the run for 7 years. After the charge of skipping bail they can now also add resisting arrest to his charge sheet.
starpunk
Now that Assange is in US custody, how much you wanna bet he won't get to chirp about what he knows about the 2018 'election' and Russia's part in it?
starpunk
He ain't suffering from dementia, it's his criminal activity list. He just doesn't want to get in trouble. He's just being what is - an egotistical moronic JERK!
Chip Star
Uncovering and stealing are different words because they have different meanings.
Open Minded
Assange is part of the HISTORY by revealing morally unacceptable financial behaviour.
He has spent already 7 year in visual jail in the Ecuador embassy.
I do not like this word, but he is a martyr of the denunciation of the world financial greediness and unfairness.
bass4funk
I hope liberals remember that. There are videos and and quotes, keep that in mind whatever you say or do.
There is absolutely No evidence that Assange conspired with the Russians, I’ll say this, Hillary had an open server and unsecured to boot, anyone on this planet could have easily accessed her info. I’m not a big fan of Assange, but I’m glad that he did bring to light the corrupt insight of Washington and the last 10 years and how the Democrats did whatever they could to undo a duly elected President and take him out and had it not been for him, we would have never known how corrupt the establishment is.
And he should give us info as to how Podesta fits in all of this with emails and Wikileaks files on his drives.
englisc aspyrgend
By the way, love all the conspiracy theories being aired in the comments above! Better than a Dan Brown novel!
englisc aspyrgend
Assange is primarily driven by his own ego, any good or harm he does is ancillary to that.
As with all hypocrites when it is applied to him he doesn’t like it, ergo his whinging about lack of privacy.
It is very revealing that neither he nor wickileaks dare attempt to reveal anything about anyone capable of being seriously nasty like Russia or China. Probably know they will end up consuming Polonium or having some interesting nerve agent applied to their front door, or just simply be kidnapped to China, tried and either executed or spend their short and painful lives in the enlightened re-education system. Hardly journalistic courage.
The fact that the Swedish authorities have dropped the case does not mean he is lnocent of the charges, is telling his victim is seeking a degree of justice and to get the case reopened.
Miyam_Musashi
Ouch! You just revealed the ace up his sleeve!
Strangerland
Wikileaks needs to hack the Mueller report.
I bet Trump would let Assange go if that happened.
sourpuss
Wikileaks isn’t always true:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/amphtml/politics/inside-the-russian-effort-to-target-sanders-supporters--and-help-elect-trump/2019/04/11/741d7308-5576-11e9-8ef3-fbd41a2ce4d5_story.html
Serrano
I remember when conservatives wanted this man dead for exposing the nasty garbage going on with our military
Did you forget about the neolibs wanting him dead too?
Then...To upend the US some more he works with Trump to get him elected.
He didn't work with Trump, all he did was release info on corrupt politicians. Really corrupt ones.
commanteer
Of course they did. Investigative journalists uncover secret info. The persons who made it secret call it theft nowadays. Some people actually believe that.
TheRat
I remember when conservatives wanted this man dead for exposing the nasty garbage going on with our military, even CNN’s Wolf Biltzer was foaming at the mouh. Then...To upend the US some more he works with Trump to get him elected. Trump and conservatives NOW love him. Quite the contrast, but now when he needs help they are no where to be found. Such is what you should expect when you help evil
Chip Star
Nope. Woodward and Bernstein weren't trying to steal info.
Chip Star
Right? It's an accurate equivalency. Absolutely the same thing!
Anonymous
Assange has only one way out but Willy won’t like it. Julia’s not a bad name actually.
Serrano
Julian Assange is under arrest while Hillary Clinton walks free. Incredible...
Patricia Yarrow
Lots of snark here. The real issue, and it is what AOC said, is the threat to journalism.
commanteer
That's where the problem lies. If it is enough to get thrown in the clink, then any journalist who reports on things politicians want covered up can also be thrown in the clink. The Watergate guys, Woodward and Bernstein, would have spent years in prison.
Stuart hayward
SuperLibToday 07:53 am JST
I guess he didn't like the transparency
I guess you’re fine with a few US military guys having fun killing civilians? So this, or the Hillary e-mails becoming public knowledge, makes it ok to spy on anyone. Got it!
Interesting stance, since you consider yourself a “liberal”, it seems more inline with a far right wing conservative or worse.
Deadforgood
Yea I'm not entirely clear on it either, as he wasn't charged with espionage either, but through a quick glance over the indictment, it would seem that he was involved in the conspiracy, the hosting of wikileaks to spread confidential information, etc. I'm no lawyer but I assume being a conspirator to a crime is enough to get thrown into the clink...
commanteer
I haven't read the charges, but I understand he is not charged with hacking. He is charged with encouraging Chelsea Manning, which the US has decided to call "conspiracy." Any journalist would encourage a source like this. What Trump calls him is neither here nor there. I wish people would understand the ramifications of this go way beyond Trump, who is just a blip on the radar.
Uh....ok.
Chip Star
Only if you are weak minded or trying to find this message is it the message the media is pushing. Back in reality . . .
Deadforgood
Excuse me, long day...
I'm also not sure how hacking into a database which you don't have authorization to access and distributing the contents is considered "journalism" but hey, to each their own.
Deadforgood
As Commanteer just said, he didn't leak anything. Strange how the site is called wiki LEAKS though. I'm also not sure how hacking into a database which you don't have authorization to access and distributing the contents isn't "journalism" but hey, to each their own.
BTW, I still don't really agree with the treatment he's receiving, and think he needs to be handled a little more sensitively.
Deadforgood
Would Trump call him a brave investigative journalist if the information he stole was his tax returns? Or would he nick name him "stealin" Assange?
lostrune2
Which countries did Assange and WikiLeaks release leaks, and which countries did he not?
commanteer
Leaking is when someone who has agreed to keep a secret lets it out. Assange was under no obligation of secrecy - contrarily he did what most journalists would do when they get a good story. He published it. The same way a US journalist would publish damning Russian secrets if offered the chance. The US journalist wouldn't be called a leaker, but would be hailed as a brave investigative journalist.
So far as the Ecuadorian ambassador, diplomats are generally paid to lie when necessary. Anything he says would be for a reason. I agree that Assange's stay with Ecuador was never very solid. It's a small and corrupt country - not much of an ally when you are facing off with the most powerful country in the world. Really, the only 2 countries in the world with the brass to stand up to the US are Russian and China, so it would be perfectly understandable if he did a Snowden and got Moscow to back him up. I wouldn't trust Russia either, but they would probably be the least likely to sell him out and the best at standing up to US pressure.
Chip Star
Feel better now that you've gotten in a Hillary reference?
Chip Star
The reach of the US is far and extensive.
commanteer
Perhaps so, but that quote from this article is a good example of how the media subtly persuades and brainwashes. It associated a call for his rights to be protected (which many people around the world are concerned about) with Russian interests. A subtle suggestion that human rights are something only a Russian stooge would be concerned about.
They repeat these kinds of subliminal references on a daily basis, and they eventually are absorbed by uncritical American readers who devour news like they devour cheeseburgers - going down so fast they don't know what they have just consumed.
You can see it in the comments here, claims of rape and Russian collaboration... the former long since dropped and called false, the latter never supported by any real evidence. All they need to do is plant the seed and the "fact" takes on a life of its own.
Deadforgood
Why does Comey get the honor of being nick named "leakin" Comey but not Assange by Mr. Trump? I'm confused, does Trump not understand the definition of leaking? Or does he believe leaking can only happen when it pertains to damaging information about himself.
Serrano
This is relevant and interesting -
Tucker: People are mad at Assange instead of Obama
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZE7OfU71Sbk
Deadforgood
I thought America was full. Now they have room?
u_s__reamer
Even an Australian like Assange will not relish being hauled before the notorious kangaroo court of East Virginia where nobody, even if innocent, escapes from that black hole of show trials where "justice" (cough) is done. Yes, judges are biased! The sentencing judge in the UK already characterized Assange as "a narcissist", as if anyone in the public eye were not. Narcissism may not be a crime, but Assange can expect no mercy from a man who wears his prejudices on the sleeves of his robe.
Deadforgood
Cause the rape charges were dropped. By Sweden. So they can't charge him for it. I think they can try to charge him for molestation, if they even want to bother getting mixed up in this mess.
Serrano
Some say if he is ever extradited to the U.S. Trump will pardon him.
I know one thing for sure, if Hillary Clinton was president there would be no pardons for him.
TigersTokyoDome
The most serious allegation, of rape in Sweden, is being neglected by all this extradition and UK bail arrest nonsense. He should be tried for rape in Sweden before anything else.
Not much on this news story about the alleged rape. What's the more serious crime? Helping to publish classified (but true) information, or rape?
John-San
The USA will never get Assange back to face false charges. Because the real damaging incriminating material he has on the USA has not yet been release. So those wanting pay up for releasing USA underhanded activities since the start of the digital files age. Will be waiting a very long time and while you are waiting Assange will be living the life of a country gentleman on one of Queens estates, hunting, fishing and long hikes over the meadows.
Sneezy
?? When people are arrested, it's almost always against their will. No-one wants to be arrested. Resisting arrest isn't a good argument in his defense, because resisting arrest is a crime.
yoshisan88
This is just like an arsonist telling other people not to burn down houses.
I would have had more respect for Assange had he decide to face accusations in Sweden and USA rather than trying to seek protection from Russia. Russia is no angel and is doing what the US is doing and even worst.
finally rich
Gandalf is that you?
Yubaru
IS? Lol! I thought it was past tense with him!
Kenji Fujimori
Theres a good report about it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZE7OfU71Sbk
John-San
The UK is not a supporter of the Trump Administration. Assange is not stupid. No doubt he has material on most Administration around the world for insurance for this moment. He will be lock up in a country estate in the English country side for the rest of his life. The USA will never get him back on their home ground to punish him for doing the correct thing by exposing the USA for what they truly are. And mister Moderator there no off topic or insult involve with me comment but I am sure that your bias will soon delete my comment.
Silvafan
Don't forget he is also sending more troops to the wall. Soon there will be some more rallies. Will we get another summit?
The "broken record" that some call the president is playing all the old hits to distract from some bad news coming like his tax returns.
sdf_crew_member
The comments of U.S. supporters here are hymn to hypocrisy.
itsonlyrocknroll
I understand that Assange, alienated friends,supporters, even media sympathetic to WikiLeaks.
Of all the bastions and defenders of press freedoms and champions of disclosing/publishing government malfeasance, Julian Assange vanity will be the nemesis to blame for his own downfall.
towingtheline
Why are governments angry with Julian Assange?
Simple truth/fact: He revealed just a fraction of their: Corruption, Crime, Coercion, Cover-ups and Clandestine activities... Needles to say, they would prefer those activities to be kept secret.
It is embarrassing for them, so natural they (governments) will invent charges and stories against Assange in an attempt to deflect attention away from their devious and secretive activities..
Tokyo-Engr
@CrazyJoe - I like your comment. Nice!
My opinion is this goes above and beyond Trump. There are people in this world (contrary to popular belief and what we are told) having more power than the President.
Assange leaked information which was damaging to people in high places. These people have long memories and will not allow these deeds to go unpunished.
Kaerimashita
I love his new Messiah or Guru look.
Deadforgood
And a lot of documents that will be released depending on Trump's choice to pardon or not.
Raw Beer
The next few days might be interesting. I suspect Wikileaks has been holding onto documents that will now be released in retaliation...
Deadforgood
To be fair, it doesn't sound like they are trying to justify reneging on their agreement to shelter him. The President who granted him the asylum changed, the new guy has no obligation to continue granting him asylum if he doesn't want to. That's the way the world works.
Deadforgood
It was a NY Times article. Not sure of its credibility, but the quotes came from Juan Falconi Puig, the Ecuadorian ambassador in London at the time. So I don't know, but the quotes seemed like he was a nuisance that they put up with for quite some time...
In case you are interested, here it is.
Raw Beer
The E-mails came from Seth Rich, not Russia.
I wonder if Trump will pardon Assange; it would help him win the election.
commanteer
Who did you hear that from? The embassy who were looking for excuses to renege on their nation's agreement to shelter him? Please ask yourself what the speaker's motives might be when you hear someone saying stuff like this that can't be verified. Don't just believe everything you hear.
bobfor2
Cannot get over how old he looks, he is in his mid 40s
SuperLib
Just to be clear, though, in past posts you showed tremendous support for him. Is that still the case or do we need to do an update?
Redtail Swift
Don't worry Julien! Trump has your back! Bwahahhaaa. Hope he found those 30,000 emails.
Serrano
One day, maybe, my children will be able to know whether Assange is a hero, a villain, or maybe just another player.
We can find out by asking AOC. Ready?
Ocasio-Cortez comments on Julian Assange's arrest
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0JqDclqUl4
Pukey2
I find it strange that, out of all the stuff leaked by Wikileaks, practically nothing reflects badly on Russia. Just saying.
Serrano
One day, maybe, my children will be able to know whether Assange is a hero, a villain, or maybe just another player.
We can find out by asking AOC. Ready?
Ocasio-Cortez comments on Julian Assange's arrest
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0JqDclqUl4
Goodlucktoyou
Never thought I would say I respect China more than I respect America.
lincolnman
What a digusting liar and fraud - is Trump too senile to know there are videos and quotes from him praising this scum?
This guy leadked info that got people killed - he has blood on his hands. And he conspired with Russia and Trump buddy Roger Stone to leak Democratic e-mails because he wanted Trump to win - not becuase he likes Trump - because he hates America and knew that would happen if Donnie got elected.
Extradite him to the US, put him on trial, and have him explain how he got the Democratic e-mails and who and how he colluded with the Trump campaign and Russia.
Deadforgood
I heard he was a complete nuisance at the embassy. Harassing the guards, screaming at them to clean up his room and feed his cat for him, damaging the floors and walls with his skateboard, hacking the security systems, etc etc etc. I'm sure the embassy is glad to have finally called the exterminators to get rid of the pest.
Toasted Heretic
Mixed feelings about this. He helped reveal the massacre of Iraqis by the US, which otherwise would have been covered up.
But one wonders if, at times, he was a stooge and was used by Trump and co. And his self regard often got in the way of the facts. The journalist shouldn't be more important than the stories.
Certainly, Trump's blatant lies that he knows nothing about Wikileaks is cause for concern. He mentioned Wikileaks over 140 times during the last month of his Presidential campaign. Is he trying to gaslight or rewrite the narrative?
And let's not forget the broader implications of arresting a journalist for bringing the truth to light.
commanteer
Stop allowing yourself to be used and look into things on your own.
bass4funk
You know why he did that. He can use that at his trial that he was taken against his will, it’s a good argument for his defense. That’s why he purposely did that as emotionally as he could for good measure. Assange is not a fool by any stretch of the imagination.
The US could make Assange a martyr in the end and there is no guarantee that he will be locked up forever, being in that cramped 4 room embassy with no natural light for 7 years is punishment in itself, the courts will probably take that into consideration, but I’m just speculating. I think Michael Avenatti is in more trouble than Assange to tell you the truth.
1glenn
Who will the Russians use in the next election to leak their hacked e-mails?
Aly Rustom
Shame Assange isn't chinese. they would have thought twice about extradition.
kurisupisu
After receiving millions of dollars from the US then Mr Assange gets manhandled out of the Ecuadorean embassy-not a coincidence then.....
commanteer
Oh? I would say he has done far more with his life than anyone commenting here is ever likely to. Too bad people are so small minded that they think the world begins and ends with Trump. The arrest of Assange by the US is globalized authoritarianism. Have fun with that one.
Black Sabbath
One day, maybe, my children will be able to know whether Assange is a hero, a villain, or maybe just another player.
I think the third option...
CrazyJoe
Trump today: “I know nothing about Wikileaks. It’s not my thing."
Trump Oct 2016: "WikiLeaks, I love WikiLeaks."
Trump Oct 2016: “This WikiLeaks is like a treasure trove,”
Trump Nov 2016: "Boy, I love reading those WikiLeaks."
You mean the man lies? SHOCKING
All of sudden he doesn't like leakers--I wonder why?
Trump is getting really senile.
SuperLib
I guess he didn't like the transparency.
Laguna
Nah - Trump is preemptively putting arms distance, as he always does to those no longer useful. In this case, it's probably true that Trump had little knowledge of Assange, but there may have been coordination with his campaign. That would be a bargaining lever for Assange and a threat to Trump.
stormcrow
"I love Wikileaks!"
. . . Donald Trump (2016)
Keep Assange away from the White House. Trump might give him the Medal of Freedom.
socrateos
His supporters praise his spying activities as "freedom of speech", and now they complain that he was being spied?
Yubaru
Just another outward sign of the oncoming of dementia. It's a serious thing for many elderly seniors, and when one is the President of the United States, he should be under medical care! It's not like he can't afford it!
cla68
Seeing Assange dragged out of the embassy was hilarious. Because he skipped bail last time, I expect the UK to keep him behind bars as his extradition appeals process over the next couple of years. He can end it anytime by just revealing who killed Seth Rich.