Assange Extradition Hearing Wrapup

Intro

I’ve been following Assange and wikileaks for years — both the supportive and critical coverage.

Assange’s collateral murder Iraq slaughter video engaged me.

The Ecuador president-change from Rafael Correa to Lenín Moreno in Ecuador lead to the brutal British emprisonment of Assange; this disturbs me — is morally wrong, and a threat to journalists and freedom of the press worldwide — the Hawkins campaign agrees..

This post was triggered by a Milwaukee researcher,a retired academic who covers the Assange situation daily.
I’m familiar with all the sources (except for Charles Glass). The content was finalized by me, but largely written by this researcher.

I introduce you to high integrity, writers and websites that counter the legacy media propaganda.

Assange hearing Coverage | good sources

https://shadowproof.com/2020/09/21/guide-to-journalists-assange-trial-upset-by-media-blackout/

Kevin Gosztola

https://shadowproof.com/author/kgosztola/

Shadowproof managing editor Kevin Gosztola woke up every morning for four weeks in September to report on WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange’s extradition trial at the Old Bailey Criminal Courthouse in London.


Craig Murray

https://wikispooks.com/wiki/Craig_Murray#_ba6793509f3a9343b276e0446f18acd3

https://www.craigmurray.org.uk/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Craig_Murray


Joe Lauria

https://consortiumnews.com/tag/joe-lauria/

https://muckrack.com/unjoe


Nils Melzer

https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/law/staff/nilsmelzer/

@NilsMelzer

UN Special Rapporteur on Torture; Human Rights Chair, Geneva Academy; Professor of International Law, University of Glasgow; Vice-President IIHL, Sanremo

https://www.ohchr.org/en/issues/torture/srtorture/pages/nilsmelzer.aspx

https://wikispooks.com/wiki/Nils_Melzer

In 20 years of work with victims of war, violence and political persecution I have never seen a group of democratic States ganging up to deliberately isolate, demonise and abuse a single individual for such a long time and with so little regard for human dignity and the rule of law.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nils_Melzer


Swedish legal issues

Assange was accused of sexual misconduct by the Swedish authorities by two women — in fact there have been no charges, and there is evidence of a “setup” to smear him. Nils Melzer, the U.N. Special Rapporteur on torture, walks us through a detailed timeline:

Nils Melzer |alt

Nils Melzer shown above.

https://www.republik.ch/2020/01/31/nils-melzer-about-wikileaks-founder-julian-assange

A made-up rape allegation and fabricated evidence in Sweden, pressure from the UK not to drop the case, a biased judge, detention in a maximum security prison, psychological torture – and soon extradition to the U.S., where he could face up to 175 years in prison for exposing war crimes. For the first time, the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, Nils Melzer, speaks in detail about the explosive findings of his investigation into the case of Wikileaks founder Julian Assange.

cruel and unique punishment | illegal privacy violations should invalidate the hearing

Daniel Ellsburg’s case was thrown out for illegal privacy violations; Assange’s treatment
is similar. Listen to Charles Glass interview by Scott Horton:

https://dissentradio.com/radio/20_10_09_glass.mp3

Ellsberg interviewed by Kristina Borjesson | his case vs Assange’s

https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/6hxhbk/WB_101620.mp3

photo Kristina Borjesson| for text browsers??

Kristina Borjesson does the the-whistleblower-newsroom podcast.

Assange hearing summary

@DEAcampaign tweet with video.

@DEAcampaign tweet with panel video.

Twitter @DEAcampaign video

In the above @DEAcampaign video, Assange’s father, John Shipton; Assange’s friend and former U.K. Ambassador Craig Murray; Assange’s lawyer, Jen Robinson, current WikiLeaks editor-in-chief Kristinn Hrafnsson: and WikiLeaks ambassador Joseph F. discuss the trial just after the end of the 4 weeks of witness testimony.  This 40-minute video is worth the time spent to review key aspects of the testimony presented and key moments in the trial.

Joe Lauria | Editor Consortium News

photo Joe Lauria of Consortium News

Joe Lauria, editor-in-chief of Consortium News | 9 minute video summary

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and Rebecca Vincent

Reporters Without Borders and Rebecca Vincent| for text browsers??

Rebecca Vincent | “Reporters Without Borders” (rsf.org)

Reporters without Borders (RSF) was the ONLY journalistic and humanitarian agency that monitored the trial.

After monitoring four weeks of evidence in the US extradition proceedings against Wikileaks publisher Julian Assange, Reporters Without Borders (RSF.org) reiterates concern regarding the targeting of Assange for his contributions to journalism, and calls again for his release. Expert testimony highlighted the political nature of the case against Assange, the US government’s lack of evidence for alleged harm caused, and urgent humanitarian concerns related to Assange’s physical and mental health. RSF also documented extensive barriers to open justice, which marred proceedings. The extradition decision is expected on 4 January 2021.”

Daily Hearing Updates

Reporter access to the hearings was unreasonably difficult — too few in-person slots; burdensome remote access hoops; poor technical implementation.

Craig Murray – Daily Summaries

earth - blue marble | for text browsers??

Craig Murray (@CraigMurrayOrg) – former U.K. Ambassador to Uzbekistan – provided the most literate, informative daily summary by far with his blog posts that start with “Your Man in the Public Gallery.” To see this series of posts search his site for Assange Hearing — searching directly in the search box on his site is also good. Craig was in the courtroom each day along with Julian’s father from 10 am to 4 pm.  He went home each day, ate, slept at 7 pm, awoke at 11 – midnight, reviewed his 30 or so pages of notes each day, researched as needed, and then showered dressed and wrote his summary that he posted at 9:30 am each day before walking to the courtroom, up 132 steps.  His summaries are magnificent.  Here is testimony from “Day 21” by Craig, which is Day 17 or 18 for others (Craig covered the trial in February and just kept counting.) Notice that the URLs are predictable, as in https://www.craigmurray.org.uk/archives/2020/10/your-man-in-the-public-gallery-assange-hearing-day-20.

assange-hearing-day-21 | Oct 1

twenty minutes sufficed for the reading of the “gist” of the astonishing testimony of two witnesses, their identity protected as their lives may be in danger, who stated that the CIA, operating through Sheldon Adelson, planned to kidnap or poison Assange […]


assangedefense.org

Their boardmembers.

Guide to Testimony in Julian Assange’s Extradition Hearing| for text browsers??

Guide to Testimony in Julian Assange’s Extradition Hearing

AssangeDefense.org or
@DefenseAssange

provided detailed, daily blow-by-blow descriptions of the case they were observing and tweeting out remotely in real time (Select one of the days to open the detailed description.)

I found them to be the most complete. But I would encourage one to read reports from multiple “observers.” — Ann B.

screenshot from https://assangedefense.org/live-blog/

The blog is a “Guide to Testimony in Julian Assange’s Extradition Hearing”.

Here we recap the major arguments and revelations from expert witnesses who testified in Julian Assange’s extradition — and why they matter legally. Topics range from the dangerous threat Assange’s indictment poses to journalism, to the abusive conditions Assange would face in the United States’ prison system, to the politicized nature of the Trump administration’s prosecution.


Green Party | Margaret Flowers commentary on Assange Hearing | Oct 5

https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/clearingthefogradioshow/CtF_Show_10_5_20.mp3?dest-id=122538

My notes from her 10min talk: hearing is: unfair to Assange; no privacy; atty-client talks snooped on; no crime; 175 year sentence; political case; will not release his sources; Assange spied on 24/7 for months. His rights have been violated / not enough time or resources to prepare.

UN Torture Report On Assange Is An Indictment Of Our Entire Society

“The evidence is overwhelming and clear,” Melzer said. “Mr. Assange has been deliberately exposed, for a period of several years, to progressively severe forms of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, the cumulative effects of which can only be described as psychological torture.”

This mistreatment took it’s toll on Assange. I’ve heard several reporters talk about a “rubber head” torture effect. I think he has recovered somewhat, but I understand at one point he was having trouble speaking — even his own name.

Daniel Ellsberg testifies at Assange extradition hearing

Marc Steiner and Kevin Gosztola:

Kenosha Solidarity Rally/BLM march | NAARPR, FRSO, CPAC …

In response to an email about the NAARPR sponsored rally — said email was forwarded to the https://groups.google.com/d/contactowner/EtWcomm — I decided to go to the Kenosha Solidarity Rally/BLM march at 5pm near at the Municipal blg.

videos

report

Automated cell phone pop up alert at 6:30pm warning us of 7pm Kenosha curfew.

Powerful chanting— on mic and off, good energy, clearly a mix of locals, Milwaukee people, and Chicago people, including Frank Chapman. FRSO banner there, Chapman’s CPAC people there, also NAARPR. Perhaps 130 people?

The (national guard?) pulled up in 3-4 hum-vees/troop carriers at the end of march just before 7pm. One tall thin older white guy positioned himself in from of the convoy — the demonstration organizers artfully defused the situation. These were canvass covered troop carriers with perhaps 4-6 troops per truck — men visible through the open to air back ends. I went home, honoring the impending curfew — the bulk of the crowd seemed to be gathering in front of the Municipal building again.

Many boarded up windows at gas stations, small biz, and major gov blgs. A couple of burned up blgs. Some artful graffiti on the particle board. We had passed a used car lot filled with entirely burned up cars!

My hunch or impression is that Kenosha is damaged and vulnerable. The protestors quieted down as we past the burned out used car lot — sobering. I left there inspired by the effort, unity and young spirit.

As Chapman says:

escalation is getting masses of people out into these streets
this is no time to slow the rebellion down

troop carrier in Kenosha

Greater Milwaukee Green Party: YES for MPS!

GREATER MILWAUKEE GREEN PARTY SUPPORTS “YES” VOTE ON MPS REFERENDUM

The Greater Milwaukee Green Party calls on Milwaukee residents to vote Yes on the Milwaukee Public Schools’ (MPS) funding referendum on April 7.

Education is a right for all people. The $87 million per year that this referendum will raise is just a start towards repairing the damage successive Wisconsin legislatures have done to MPS in its drive to privatize public education.

Since the “school choice” program to send public money to private schools began in the 1980s, corporate interests have dominated education policy. It’s time for public school students and teachers interests to come first.

This referendum is a step in the right direction on the path to better public schools.  Though it will not stop private interests from continuous siphoning of public school funding through voucher programs and Tax Incremental Funding districts), it is a necessity.  Much like running a generator while the power lines are down, this referendum ensures we still accommodate our students as we work to bring other public dollars back to MPS.

This referendum will help MPS fund technical education and library services to give kids a better chance of understanding the world around them, and the tools to make change.

The art and music programs that this referendum will fund are not frills. They are essential to helping young people express themselves and create change.

Greens support the nationwide push for better teacher pay, better health care and library services, and better support services for children in every school district.

It is no accident that the attack on public schools is focused on urban districts where students most often experience the effects of racism, poverty, structural unemployment, and the violence that ensues where hope for the future is lacking.

We need public schools to help the next generation lead the fight against the climate crisis, systemic racism, and corporate domination. Public schools are democratic institutions essential in the fight for a broader democracy. We need the schools our kids deserve!

Vote YES for MPS!

For more information, go to the referendum campaign site: https://www.voteyesformps.org/

We Need a Green New Deal!

3pm Sun Sep 22, Kern Park, 3614 N Humboldt Blvd, 53212    See https://zq3q.org/z/9oj

As the world strikes against the climate crisis, people are looking for a solution that protects life on the planet without destroying the living standards of working people — A Green New Deal!

The Greater Milwaukee Green Party invites you to hear a panel of Greens and other activists discuss the meaning of the Green New Deal, and what we need to do to get it.

Sunday’s panel includes –
Mike McCallister – MC
George Martin – Greater Milwaukee Green Party
Milwaukee City/County Joint Task Force on Climate and Economic Equity – representing NAACP
Carter Reitman – Ecosocialist Working Group of the Democratic Socialists of America.

Free and open to the public. Donations encouraged – bring your checkbook.

Pls post these flyers to promote the event.

2019 Annual National Meeting of Green Party US

The 2019 Annual National Meeting of the Green Party of the United States will be held on the campus of Salem State University in historic Salem, Massachusetts.

The meeting will occur on the Central Campus beginning on Thursday, July 25 and ends on Sunday, July 28.

It’s an exciting time to network with other Greens from across the nation and learn more about fighting to put people, peace, and planet over profit!

To find out more and to register, please follow this link.

Green & Growing!

2019 Green Party Annual National Meeting

The Green Party’s Annual National Meeting for 2019 is scheduled for July 25-28, 2019 in the beautiful, historic coastal city of Salem, Massachusetts.

There will be opportunities for organizing, networking, workshops, and events including:

  • Thursday Special Opening Event
  • Workshops
  • Sightseeing
  • Plenary sessions
  • Fundraiser
  • Networking opportunities
  • Caucus and committee meetings
  • Keynote speakers
  • Anti-oppression training
  • And, much more…

For more information, click on this link.

As the time draws nearer, Greater Milwaukee Green Party will be discussing transportation options (anyone up for a road trip?) and sharing further details.

For now, mark your calendar and consider attending!

We are Green & Growing!

Legitimate Candidates Belong in Gubernatorial Debates

By Co-Chair Barbara Dahlgren

Tonight (Friday, October 19th) the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association (WBA) held a debate for the gubernatorial candidates, but they had no intention of including any of the other candidates who are on the ballot.  All candidates filled out the appropriate paperwork and collected at least 2,000 signatures to legitimize their campaigns for ballot access; yet, the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association believes attaching a dollar amount and corporate poll numbers (which often don’t include parties and candidates besides the Democratic and Republican candidates) are better deciding factors than the Constitution and the judgement of Wisconsinites to determine who they want to lead Wisconsin.

The Green Party and Dr. White’s gubernatorial campaign object to the WBA’s undemocratic omissions of candidates.  The American tradition of debates should not be a private affair. Debates should be public events where all candidates can present their ideas in equal time to the public.