By: Sky High
- 15th December 2010 at 08:50Permalink- Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
A point of information concerning your first sentence. How do we know how he is being held inside Wandsworth?
In answer to BB - neither. He is certainly no hero in any definition of the word I understand. As for a public menace - I think that is ascribing to him far more than he deserves. He is an irritation, little more.
By: Creaking Door
- 15th December 2010 at 09:37Permalink- Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Whatever he may, or may not, be he is currently being held (almost completely incommunicado) in solitary confinement for 23.5 hours a day despite not having even been charged with any crime, let alone tried and found guilty of one.
It is somewhat strange isn’t it; £240,000 bail, and for a crime that (even if he is found guilty) would probably not result in imprisonment in Sweden.
If he were a Burmese politician - or a Chinese artist - our Government (and that of the USA) would be demanding his release in the most forthright of terms, and we would all be nodding our heads in agreement.
By: MSR777
- 15th December 2010 at 10:02Permalink- Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
What are we becoming? :(
Good question, and the answer probably merits a thread all its own. I'm sure that people very much more educated than I can see whats going on in this disturbing state of affairs. I have a feeling that the Swedish government, along with many other governments, has become a willing participant in a very big and sinister 'game', at the behest of a manipulative foreign power, and the Swedes are not alone. I think their actions will have far reaching consequences, not only for Sweden and its perceived neutrality, but also for its reputation as a paragon of freedom and tolerance. To me, its ironic that the leaked documents were very probably passed to WikiLeaks by a citizen of the US who is almost certainly a member of their own armed forces or intelligence network. Surely the question that the American government should be asking itself is why these seemingly disgruntled personnel are repeatedly passing on this kind of material to outside organisations.
I am not a great fan of conspiracy theories, but whats going on here seems to me to be a very clumsy attempt to keep on 'shooting' the messenger, and if that fails, then to subject him to a an appearance in a kangaroo court. The treatment of Assange draws striking parallels with the treatment of detainees in states with a less than decent pedigree. Some people argue that Assange is nothing more than some kind of attention junkie. That may well turn out be the case, but IMO the actions of certain governments in this matter appear to suggest otherwise. I'm quite ready to be shot down in flames over this, but this is just MY take on the topic.
"He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster." Friedrich Nietzsche
By: Bob
- 15th December 2010 at 10:08Permalink- Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Surprised he was granted bail - the guy has been in hiding recently (albeit in the Frontline Club apparently) so would he have jumped bail if granted? As Sweden is asking for him to extradited maybe they had the same concern?
All the celebs crawling out of the woodwork to champion this person in the name of freedom of speech but I wonder how much of it was FOS/FOI rather than some personal vendetta against anything and everything American, irrespective of any lives that may be put in jeopardy?......
By: Sky High
- 15th December 2010 at 10:13Permalink- Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Interflug - "Surely the question that the American government should be asking itself is why these seemingly disgruntled personnel are repeatedly passing on this kind of material to outside organisations." - and to find them and kick them out of the military immediately with the accompanying permanent stain on their record.......
And we are all contributing to the daily pufffing of a story which doesn't deserve it. After all, what have actually learned in thousands of leaked diplomatic documents that we either didn't already know, couldn't have guessed at and are not surprised by?
By: MSR777
- 15th December 2010 at 11:20Permalink- Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Interflug - "Surely the question that the American government should be asking itself is why these seemingly disgruntled personnel are repeatedly passing on this kind of material to outside organisations." - and to find them and kick them out of the military immediately with the accompanying permanent stain on their record.......
And we are all contributing to the daily pufffing of a story which doesn't deserve it. After all, what have actually learned in thousands of leaked diplomatic documents that we either didn't already know, couldn't have guessed at and are not surprised by?
It's another media field day!
Well the Americans seem to be doing more than enough 'puffing' for all of us in connection with what many regard as being nothing more than a passing fad. The Americans and indeed others appear to be in a diplomatic 'blind panic' about this situation and seem to have a desperate need to have a scapegoat, and Assange is 'easy meat' as they seem unable to locate the 'viper in their bosom'. As far as the media is concerned, there's mileage in this story who's outcome could have a quite profound effect on the freedom of the press, the internet and other media in the future.
By: Creaking Door
- 15th December 2010 at 17:30Permalink- Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Surprised he was granted bail - the guy has been in hiding recently (albeit in the Frontline Club apparently) so would he have jumped bail if granted?
Until a warrant was issued for his arrest Assange was perfectly entitled to 'hide' (as are the rest of us); when a warrant was issued he gave himself up within hours...
...that hardly makes him a risk does it? :confused:
By: Grey Area
- 15th December 2010 at 17:44Permalink- Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
A point of information concerning your first sentence. How do we know how he is being held inside Wandsworth?
It was clearly stated on Channel 4 News yesterday evening, both during the news item on the bail hearing and by his lawyer during an interview later in the programme.
Would you happen to have any evidence to contradict this?
By: Bob
- 15th December 2010 at 18:47Permalink- Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Until a warrant was issued for his arrest Assange was perfectly entitled to 'hide' (as are the rest of us); when a warrant was issued he gave himself up within hours...
...that hardly makes him a risk does it? :confused:
Unlike many people granted bail he does not have a fixed abode. Therefore it would be a consideration as to whether he would abide by any bail conditions (remain at home, surrender passport etc etc).
By: Sky High
- 15th December 2010 at 19:38Permalink- Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
It was clearly stated on Channel 4 News yesterday evening, both during the news item on the bail hearing and by his lawyer during an interview later in the programme.
Would you happen to have any evidence to contradict this?
No, why should I?:confused:
Apart from his lawyer, to whom you have referred, and the prison authorities and of course Mr Assange, no one knows the details of his detention - most certainly not Channel 4 news. And we might describe his lawyer as an "interested party", mightn't we?
New
By: Anonymous
- 15th December 2010 at 19:49Permalink- Edited 10th April 2020 at 19:36
Now the guy accused of having his wife murdered in South Africa got out on how much bail?
By: Grey Area
- 15th December 2010 at 20:55Permalink- Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
No, why should I?:confused:
Apart from his lawyer, to whom you have referred, and the prison authorities and of course Mr Assange, no one knows the details of his detention - most certainly not Channel 4 news. And we might describe his lawyer as an "interested party", mightn't we?
We might indeed. But "interested party" isn't synonymous with "liar".
After all, the Swedish prosecutor is also an "interested party" (perhaps to a greater extent that we first thought, in the light of the story in this morning's Telegraph).
Posts: 4,956
By: Sky High - 15th December 2010 at 08:50 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
A point of information concerning your first sentence. How do we know how he is being held inside Wandsworth?
In answer to BB - neither. He is certainly no hero in any definition of the word I understand. As for a public menace - I think that is ascribing to him far more than he deserves. He is an irritation, little more.
Posts: 9,739
By: Creaking Door - 15th December 2010 at 09:37 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
It is somewhat strange isn’t it; £240,000 bail, and for a crime that (even if he is found guilty) would probably not result in imprisonment in Sweden.
Yes, I’m beginning to wonder!
Posts: 2,886
By: MSR777 - 15th December 2010 at 10:02 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Good question, and the answer probably merits a thread all its own. I'm sure that people very much more educated than I can see whats going on in this disturbing state of affairs. I have a feeling that the Swedish government, along with many other governments, has become a willing participant in a very big and sinister 'game', at the behest of a manipulative foreign power, and the Swedes are not alone. I think their actions will have far reaching consequences, not only for Sweden and its perceived neutrality, but also for its reputation as a paragon of freedom and tolerance. To me, its ironic that the leaked documents were very probably passed to WikiLeaks by a citizen of the US who is almost certainly a member of their own armed forces or intelligence network. Surely the question that the American government should be asking itself is why these seemingly disgruntled personnel are repeatedly passing on this kind of material to outside organisations.
I am not a great fan of conspiracy theories, but whats going on here seems to me to be a very clumsy attempt to keep on 'shooting' the messenger, and if that fails, then to subject him to a an appearance in a kangaroo court. The treatment of Assange draws striking parallels with the treatment of detainees in states with a less than decent pedigree. Some people argue that Assange is nothing more than some kind of attention junkie. That may well turn out be the case, but IMO the actions of certain governments in this matter appear to suggest otherwise. I'm quite ready to be shot down in flames over this, but this is just MY take on the topic.
"He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster." Friedrich Nietzsche
Posts: 3,566
By: Bob - 15th December 2010 at 10:08 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Surprised he was granted bail - the guy has been in hiding recently (albeit in the Frontline Club apparently) so would he have jumped bail if granted? As Sweden is asking for him to extradited maybe they had the same concern?
All the celebs crawling out of the woodwork to champion this person in the name of freedom of speech but I wonder how much of it was FOS/FOI rather than some personal vendetta against anything and everything American, irrespective of any lives that may be put in jeopardy?......
Posts: 4,956
By: Sky High - 15th December 2010 at 10:13 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Interflug - "Surely the question that the American government should be asking itself is why these seemingly disgruntled personnel are repeatedly passing on this kind of material to outside organisations." - and to find them and kick them out of the military immediately with the accompanying permanent stain on their record.......
And we are all contributing to the daily pufffing of a story which doesn't deserve it. After all, what have actually learned in thousands of leaked diplomatic documents that we either didn't already know, couldn't have guessed at and are not surprised by?
It's another media field day!
Posts: 2,886
By: MSR777 - 15th December 2010 at 11:20 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Well the Americans seem to be doing more than enough 'puffing' for all of us in connection with what many regard as being nothing more than a passing fad. The Americans and indeed others appear to be in a diplomatic 'blind panic' about this situation and seem to have a desperate need to have a scapegoat, and Assange is 'easy meat' as they seem unable to locate the 'viper in their bosom'. As far as the media is concerned, there's mileage in this story who's outcome could have a quite profound effect on the freedom of the press, the internet and other media in the future.
Posts: 4,956
By: Sky High - 15th December 2010 at 11:40 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
I certainly agree with your initial comments, but I don't subscribe to the analysis in your final sentence.
Posts: 1,518
By: jbritchford - 15th December 2010 at 11:40 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
According to sources I have heard, if he is convicted then he faces a 5000 Kroner fine, about £470
Rather heavy handed for such a crime, isn't it! Almost enough to make one think this is politically motivated!
Posts: 9,739
By: Creaking Door - 15th December 2010 at 17:30 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Presumably the UK will end up compensating him for 'false imprisonment' then? :rolleyes:
Posts: 9,739
By: Creaking Door - 15th December 2010 at 17:30 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Until a warrant was issued for his arrest Assange was perfectly entitled to 'hide' (as are the rest of us); when a warrant was issued he gave himself up within hours...
...that hardly makes him a risk does it? :confused:
Posts: 10,160
By: Grey Area - 15th December 2010 at 17:44 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
It was clearly stated on Channel 4 News yesterday evening, both during the news item on the bail hearing and by his lawyer during an interview later in the programme.
Would you happen to have any evidence to contradict this?
Posts: 10,160
By: Grey Area - 15th December 2010 at 17:53 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Sweden appears to have her own reasons for wishing to quieten Mr Assange.
Of course none of this is political. :rolleyes:
Posts: 3,566
By: Bob - 15th December 2010 at 18:47 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Unlike many people granted bail he does not have a fixed abode. Therefore it would be a consideration as to whether he would abide by any bail conditions (remain at home, surrender passport etc etc).
Risk of flight maybe...
Posts: 971
By: Aspis - 15th December 2010 at 18:57 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
I am sure that even if the sex charges don't stick on Assange, they will find something else. He must be punished to make an example out of him.
Otherwise, whistleblowers from all countries will start doing the same.
By the way, a new aspiring site has come up. Maybe soon we will have our "euroleaks". :D
http://brusselsleaks.com/
God bless the whistleblowers.
Posts: 4,956
By: Sky High - 15th December 2010 at 19:38 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
No, why should I?:confused:Apart from his lawyer, to whom you have referred, and the prison authorities and of course Mr Assange, no one knows the details of his detention - most certainly not Channel 4 news. And we might describe his lawyer as an "interested party", mightn't we?
By: Anonymous - 15th December 2010 at 19:49 Permalink - Edited 10th April 2020 at 19:36
Now the guy accused of having his wife murdered in South Africa got out on how much bail?
Posts: 10,160
By: Grey Area - 15th December 2010 at 20:55 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
We might indeed. But "interested party" isn't synonymous with "liar".
After all, the Swedish prosecutor is also an "interested party" (perhaps to a greater extent that we first thought, in the light of the story in this morning's Telegraph).
Are you equally sceptical about what they say?
Posts: 4,956
By: Sky High - 16th December 2010 at 08:33 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Yes, I am generally sceptical.:) Just the way I was brought up, I suppose....you do like your bold typeface, don't you?;)
Posts: 3,566
By: Bob - 16th December 2010 at 09:50 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
It's a Mod thing (the bold typeface) - they have a weekly allowance but it has to be used up - no accruing bold typeface to the next week........ :)
Posts: 4,956
By: Sky High - 16th December 2010 at 10:00 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
:D:D