WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange arrested in London

[Ulysses G.]

How can a prosecutor bring any case to trial if there's no evidence?

Assange has been arrested, so obviously there IS enough evidence to bring him to trial. Stop the spin.

So it isn't just an easy thing to say that a person must have done something wrong to be arrested.

No one said that "a person must have done something wrong to be arrested". Stop the spin.

[cyberia]

Mr Assange is a personality that is not unusual to find here in Thailand actually.

Yes and they are usually found falling off a bar stool on Soi Bukou in Pattaya.

what a spiteful pathetic comment,  

you probably forgot that people in  glass houses...  

or may be you alcohol influenced brain cannot function properly?

or may be you are Swedish? 

then I rest my case

[LaoPo]

How can a prosecutor bring any case to trial if there's no evidence?

Assange has been arrested, so obviously there IS enough evidence to bring him to trial. Stop the spin.

He turned himself in.

No evidence was presented at the court in London and that he was arrested is common for foreigners upon an arrest in the UK and waiting for further procedures.

So far there are only allegations by a third prosecutor coming from 2 rather "special" women in Sweden of whom one invited him to come to Sweden; both are clearly visible in the videos I presented elsewhere on this forum and where you can see both women acting very normal, the day AFTER one of them was allegedly sexual assaulted

Q & A: Arrest of Wikileaks founder Julian Assange

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11949771

Maybe it's time to study the case a little more instead answering with your one-liners.

LaoPo

[Wallaby]

How can a prosecutor bring any case to trial if there's no evidence?

Assange has been arrested, so obviously there IS enough evidence to bring him to trial. Stop the spin.

So it isn't just an easy thing to say that a person must have done something wrong to be arrested.

No one said that "a person must have done something wrong to be arrested". Stop the spin.

Obviously you need it in black and white.

Because a person is arrested does not mean there is enough evidence to bring them to trial. Many many times have I seen charges dropped BEFORE trial.

Ok, got it now?

[LaoPo]

Australia says to provide Assange with consular help

SYDNEY | Wed Dec 8, 2010 10:55am EST

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australia will provide WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange with consular help after he was remanded in custody by a British court over allegations of sex crimes in Sweden, Australian Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd said on Wednesday.

Assange, a 39-year-old Australian, has angered U.S. authorities and triggered headlines worldwide by publishing secret diplomatic cables.

Rudd said Assange had contacted the Australian Consul-General in London and asked for consular support.

"We have confirmed we will provide that, as we do for all Australian citizens," the foreign minister told ABC radio.

Rudd said consular officials had attended Assange's appearance in court in London Tuesday after Sweden had issued a European Arrest Warrant for him.

More:

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6B66WW20101208

LaoPo

[Ulysses G.]

"We have confirmed we will provide that, as we do for all Australian citizens," the foreign minister told ABC radio.

All Australian citizens. No special efforts for Assange.

Edited December 9, 2010 by Ulysses G.

[Ulysses G.]

These ones here seem to be highly organised and posting simultaneously in several threads,

You must be referring to the WikiLeaks apologists.

[Ulysses G.]

Obviously you need it in black and white.

"So it isn't just an easy thing to say that a person must have done something wrong to be arrested."

The quote is your words "in black and white".

Edited December 9, 2010 by Ulysses G.

[MikeyIdea]

chuckd. What is the maximum sentence he faces under Swedish law if charged and convicted?

I read that it would be 4 years max.

Sweden has 3 levels of rape where the lowest level which Assange is being extradited (to be questioned) for is hardly considered rape at all in most other countries, what he is alleged to have done can be called rape according to SWEDISH LAW. If he doesn't like that definition, then he should go and have sex in another country. Note that Assange is being extradited to be questioned first of all (as he chose to refuse to make himself available for questioning even...), it is not even 100% sure that this case will go to court yet (but it probably will).

The maximum sentence if I remember right is 1 (one) year and Swedish courts rarely give out maximum sentences. Assange won't get a long jail sentence if he is found guilty. And Swedish prisons have free high-speed internet for its guests

[TAWP]

How can a prosecutor bring any case to trial if there's no evidence?

Assange has been arrested, so obviously there IS enough evidence to bring him to trial. Stop the spin.

He has NOT been arrested in Sweden and charged with the crime.

He has been detained in the UK on the basis of an extradition request for an 'appear for questioning'-notice he didn't honor as he had left the country after being told they were not going to pursue the case anymore.

It is fully possible that the police in Sweden have a 2h interview with him, when extradited and landed in Sweden, and then he is set free on foot - not charged with any crime.

[MikeyIdea]

What is Sweden going to do to him?

Not very much if I understand well.

What I hear from Swedish friends of mine is that the Swedish "People", read: Prosecutor's Office in Stockholm, now wish they had NEVER try to bring a THIRD prosecutor into this case since the general public is laughing about WHAT and HOW it is handled by Sweden. they feel ashamed.

Sweden, for heaven's sake, was the first LIBERAL country in Europe where Porno magazines and movies were freely available where the rest of Europe would still throw you in jail if you were caught with a magazine. I'm talking decades ago.

And, now they're prosecuting a guy because of "alleged" sexual encounters whereby the Ladies (2 girl friends) invited HIM into their own -individual- houses?

The world upside down.

The risky things are the shady circumstances of the alleged allegations by the 2 "Ladies" and their backgrounds and the fear that Sweden was forced upon a deal with the US to extradite him and if I were in his shoes I would fight the extradition BECAUSE of the shady allegations also.

LaoPo

True what you write that Sweden was the first liberal country in Europe when it comes to sex but it is now, according to Swedish law for heaven's sake, one of the hardest ones

I don't see what who invited who into their home has anything to do with it, even a minor charge like sexal intimidation carry a jail sentence according to Swedish law, doesn't even matter if it's between husband and wife either, that's the law

[Wallaby]

Just read in the local Brisbane paper some interesting things.

Extradition from UK to Sweden is nearly impossible to stop because under the current extradition treaty Sweden does not have to offer any evidence.

Also, Sweden does not allow extraditon to other countries in cases of political or military charges.

Just thought that was interesting.

[hammered]

Just read in the local Brisbane paper some interesting things.

Extradition from UK to Sweden is nearly impossible to stop because under the current extradition treaty Sweden does not have to offer any evidence.

Also, Sweden does not allow extraditon to other countries in cases of political or military charges.

Just thought that was interesting.

Are you sure you are not refering to the abhorent new extraditon treaty signed by the Blair government that allows the sending of british suspects to the US without any evidence being presented (not reciprocal). That is unique in that it is only to the USA. It is also unique in that it is the first time any government anywhere in the world has negotiated an extradition treaty where they no longer even tried to protect their citizens.

[MikeyIdea]

Extradition from UK to Sweden is nearly impossible to stop because under the current extradition treaty Sweden does not have to offer any evidence.

Also, Sweden does not allow extraditon to other countries in cases of political or military charges.

It is not part of the British courts responsibility to decide if evidence is enough for a conviction or not. They are simply not competent as they albeit very knowledgeable in British law don't know anything about SWEDISH LAW, perfectly normal

[Credo]

I highly doubt that the government seriously considers the assassination of Assange as a solution to the problem.  The problem isn't the man, it's the leaks and the government is quite well aware of this fact.  It doesn't mean they wouldn't like to get a piece of the guy, but his presence or absence from society is not the problem.  

[skippybangkok]

Was interested though that a Oz Senator (Abib) comes across as a US spy....... giving oz internal info to the yanks....... hang the bastard.

[metisdead]

A post containing a personal attack has been removed from view.

[chuckd]

chuckd. What is the maximum sentence he faces under Swedish law if charged and convicted?

Others have answered but I located this with a quick Google search. There are other sources available

__________________________________________________________________

" The arrest could result in fast- track extradition to Sweden where he faces a maximum fouryear jail term."

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/site/Story/122439/latest-headlines/assange-arrest-ignites-the-web.html

__________________________________________________________________

[hammered]

Was interested though that a Oz Senator (Abib) comes across as a US spy....... giving oz internal info to the yanks....... hang the bastard.

If he were leaking things to a foreign power wouldnt that make him a traitor? All those that want to see Bradley Manning prosecuted etc Im sure will demand the same here.

[geriatrickid]

Was interested though that a Oz Senator (Abib) comes across as a US spy....... giving oz internal info to the yanks....... hang the bastard.

If he were leaking things to a foreign power wouldnt that make him a traitor? All those that want to see Bradley Manning prosecuted etc Im sure will demand the same here.

Depends on whether or not the information is confidential or a state secret.

As for Bradley Manning, his legal counsel wants him to pass a competency exam first. if Pfc. Manning is mentally incompetent, then there is no point in proceeding with a criminal charge. Whatever one may think about Manning, if he is mentally unfit and was incapable of knowing right from wrong, he would be dealt with differently.

[hammered]

Was interested though that a Oz Senator (Abib) comes across as a US spy....... giving oz internal info to the yanks....... hang the bastard.

If he were leaking things to a foreign power wouldnt that make him a traitor? All those that want to see Bradley Manning prosecuted etc Im sure will demand the same here.

Depends on whether or not the information is confidential or a state secret.

As for Bradley Manning, his legal counsel wants him to pass a competency exam first. if Pfc. Manning is mentally incompetent, then there is no point in proceeding with a criminal charge. Whatever one may think about Manning, if he is mentally unfit and was incapable of knowing right from wrong, he would be dealt with differently.

Quite correctly too imho.

[JUDAS]

chuckd. What is the maximum sentence he faces under Swedish law if charged and convicted?

Others have answered but I located this with a quick Google search. There are other sources available

__________________________________________________________________

" The arrest could result in fast- track extradition to Sweden where he faces a maximum fouryear jail term."

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/site/Story/122439/latest-headlines/assange-arrest-ignites-the-web.html

__________________________________________________________________

He also stated that the only allegation outstanding was, in his words, "an allegation of having sex by surprise, which is not an offence recognised outside Sweden (I'm sure there may be something lost in translation). In any event, this offence carries a maximum penalty of a 5000 Kroner fine. That does not meet the threshold for extradition. For that, a 12 month jail sentence is required. http://m.dailykos.com/stories/2010/12/3/925272/-.html Seems to be contradictions about what the max penalty is.

[chuckd]

chuckd. What is the maximum sentence he faces under Swedish law if charged and convicted?

Others have answered but I located this with a quick Google search. There are other sources available

__________________________________________________________________

" The arrest could result in fast- track extradition to Sweden where he faces a maximum fouryear jail term."

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/site/Story/122439/latest-headlines/assange-arrest-ignites-the-web.html

__________________________________________________________________

He also stated that the only allegation outstanding was, in his words, "an allegation of having sex by surprise, which is not an offence recognised outside Sweden (I'm sure there may be something lost in translation). In any event, this offence carries a maximum penalty of a 5000 Kroner fine. That does not meet the threshold for extradition. For that, a 12 month jail sentence is required. http://m.dailykos.com/stories/2010/12/3/925272/-.html Seems to be contradictions about what the max penalty is.

I suppose we will just have to wait and see.

If having "sex by surprise" is not an offense outside Sweden, perhaps he should not have done it inside Sweden. I presume all his high priced attorneys will have a better defense than..."But it isn't a crime outside Sweden!"

As I said in an earlier post somewhere on the internet, all Assange has to do is agree to extradition, return to Sweden and clear up this little matter.

That is if it really is a little matter.

[slapout]

Stealthy f..ker may be a new legal term when this all comes to a climax.

[chuckd]

This article gives some indication what Assange might be facing in a Swedish courtroom. He also might not receive a warm welcome due to the way he has handled himself in this situation.

It is a long read but it is late in Thailand, mid afternoon in Europe and you Yanks have all day to digest it.

______________________________________________________________

Lawyer: Assange Faces 'Tough Climate' in Feminist-Friendly Sweden

Dana Kennedy

(Dec. 8) -- Julian Assange, facing extradition to Sweden on sex crime allegations, may be in more trouble than he realizes in a country where feminism is a powerful force and courts often favor the woman in rape cases, one of the country's top defense lawyers said today.

The WikiLeaks founder will also be up against one of the country's most formidable and well-connected attorneys, Claes Borgstrom, if Sweden succeeds in extraditing him from Britain.

Borgstrom, who represents Assange's two accusers, insisted in a news conference today that the allegations against the WikiLeaks founder are legitimate and not set up by the CIA or the U.S. government. Borgstrom's website was hacked by WikiLeaks supporters and unavailable for most of the day.

He is a strong feminist with ties to Sweden's top feminists, especially on issues of gender equality, which is a cornerstone of Swedish society.

One of Assange's two accusers is also known for her strong feminist views, having once written a treatise on how to take revenge on men. Both she and Borgstrom have been active in the Social Democratic Party.

"Assange is going to be coming into a very tough climate up here, and I wonder if he understands how much danger he's in," said Per E. Samuelson, a high-profile defense lawyer in Stockholm who specializes in defending men accused of rape.

"Some of the laws regarding rape are rather extreme, and the way they are applied in court is sometimes unbelievable," Samuelson told AOL News. "To be accused of a sex crime in Sweden is considered very serious. Swedish courts tend to believe what the woman says."

Samuelson also said that Assange's London lawyers made a mistake in not advising him to come to Sweden to face questioning rather than fighting extradition.

"He's making himself look like more of a suspect," Samuelson said. "He should have come here immediately. Even if Sweden handed him over to the U.S., he'd look like a hero."

Assange denies the allegations of molestation, unlawful coercion and rape made by two women who hosted a party for him in Stockholm in August. He has admitted having consensual sex with the women; his London lawyer has called the allegations "politically motivated."

There are three categories of rape in Sweden, "severe" rape, "regular rape" and "less severe" rape as well as a host of other charges involving sexual assault and coercion, the nuances of which were outlined in The New York Times.

The Swedish government recently ordered an investigation into the possibility of tightening rape laws even more, Samuelson said. What may be considered is a new law making clear a man has to have the approval and permission from a woman before he has sex with her.

"We've had cases when the victim admits that she lied and the man was not guilty but they still rule against the man," Samuelson said.

"The judge will say that we can't trust that she's telling the truth now. And in the future, a man in Sweden might find himself in prison on rape charges just because he didn't make absolute sure that he had the woman's permission.

"I consider myself a feminist too," Samuelson continued, noting that as much as 90 percent of rape cases he's seen result in convictions. "But I am not in favor of innocent men going to prison."

In addition, Borgstrom is a force to be reckoned with in the Assange case. Borgstrom became the lawyer for Assange's two female accusers after one prosecutor threw out the allegations and then another prosecutor was brought in and re-opened the case.

Borgstrom has been associated with some of the more militant feminist Swedish politicians, like Gudrun Schyman, a former member of the Swedish Parliament who now runs the Feminist Initiative, a political party.

Schyman once compared all men to the Taliban and proposed what was called a "man tax" to cover the cost of domestic violence and sexual harassment of women. Borgstrom reportedly agreed with her idea for a man tax.

Borgstrom spent several years as the Equal Opportunities Ombudsman of Sweden, in which he acted as a watchdog ensuring gender equality all over the country. He was also the spokesman on gender equality issues for the Social Democratic Party.

Schyman's Feminist Initiative and Sweden's feminist movement took a hit in 2005 when a TV documentary about Swedish feminism, "The Gender War," shocked the country.

The respected head of Sweden's government-run network of women's shelters, Ireen von Wachenfeldt, was asked on camera if she agreed with a statement printed on some shelter literature saying: "To call a man an animal is to flatter him: he's a machine, a walking dildo."

Wachenfeldt said, "Yes. Men are animals. Don't you think so?"

The documentary also focused on Eva Lundgren, a prominent feminist and professor at Uppsala University, where one of Assange's accusers has been working as a research assistant.

Lundgren claimed in the documentary that at least half of all Swedish women have been the victims of male violence. She also said that a number of Swedish men involved with Satanic groups had murdered hundreds of babies as part of bizarre rituals.

A university inquiry into her claims formally discredited them, but she still works there.

Jenny Westerstrand, a researcher at Uppsala, was part of the university's well-known feminist research department with Lundgren until it was closed down two years ago. She said that Sweden has benefited from pressure from feminists on women's issues.

"We've had a lively debate for 20 years on how to frame sexualized violence, and there's been strong engagement from the women's movement who have pressed these issues constantly," Westerstrand told AOL News. "We're not man-eaters as they sometimes say in the press. We are for equality."

Westerstrand disagreed with some of Samuelson's theories about rape law and the courts.

"Saying no means no, and making it stick is not that easy," she said. "Only about one in 50 rape cases go to trial, and it's not easy to get a conviction."

No more here: http://www.aolnews.com/crime/article/lawyer-julian-assange-faces-tough-climate-in-feminist-friendly-sweden/19752346

[skippybangkok]

Was interested though that a Oz Senator (Abib) comes across as a US spy....... giving oz internal info to the yanks....... hang the bastard.

If he were leaking things to a foreign power wouldnt that make him a traitor? All those that want to see Bradley Manning prosecuted etc Im sure will demand the same here.

Depends on whether or not the information is confidential or a state secret.

As for Bradley Manning, his legal counsel wants him to pass a competency exam first. if Pfc. Manning is mentally incompetent, then there is no point in proceeding with a criminal charge. Whatever one may think about Manning, if he is mentally unfit and was incapable of knowing right from wrong, he would be dealt with differently.

Let me guess......... he helped Gillard get into power............... farangs bitch about the thai legal system, but i dont think Mr. Arbib will be facing any enquiry and time soon..........